Howe on bench for unchanged Ulster

INTERNATIONAL wing Tyrone Howe returns to the Ulster squad for Saturday’s clash with Celtic League table-toppers Neath-Swansea Ospreys at Ravenhill.

However, Howe, who was involved with Ireland’s pre-season conditioning, can only find a place on the bench as coach Mark McCall keeps faith with the side that defeated Connacht last week.

It means Tommy Bowe and Andrew Maxwell are again on the flanks with Kiwi Paul Steinmetz the unlucky player to be dropped from the 22-man squad.

“For a start, Tyrone has had a couple of niggling injuries,” said McCall. “So I thought it was only fair that he should start from the bench.

“On saying that, both our young wingers have done extremely well so far, better than expectations, and getting better with every game. Andrew started well last season, got injured and dropped out of the reckoning somewhat.

“But he worked hard at his game, wanted to better himself, and when the chance presented itself this season, he has taken it brilliantly.

“Tommy was spotted as a big talent a while ago, and he will just keep getting better and better.”

“This will be a real big test for us. Ospreys have started off with a real bang, and not only have they won their first three games, but hammered the opposition into submission.

“I feel we now owe our fans at Ravenhill to win and with no game next week, it would be nice to have a break having won three of our first four games.”

Connacht have made five changes to their side for tomorrow’s clash with Cardiff at the Arms Park.

Mark McHugh lines out for the first time this season while John O’Sullivan, who missed out last week through injury, also returns.

Dan McFarland comes in for Adrian Clarke in the front row, Pieter Myburgh replaces Christian Short in the second row and Paul Neville is preferred to John Muldoon.

McHugh will start at inside centre, with Niall O’Brien moving to the wing.

John O’Sullivan comes in for Mick Carroll, while Michael Swift is included in the squad for the first time this season after injury.

CONNACHT: D Slemen, N O'Brien, M Mostyn, M McHugh, C McPhillips, P Warwick, T Tierney; D McFarland, B Jackman, P Bracken, P Myburgh, A Farley, P Neville, M Lacey, J O'Sullivan. Replacements: J Fogarty, A Clarke, M Carroll, M Swift, E Elwood, C O'Loughlin, T Robinson.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Bowe; J Bell; K Maggs, A Maxwell; D Humphreys, N Doak; S Best, P Shields, R Moore, M Mustchin, M McCullough, A Ward (capt), N Best, R Wilson. Replacements: N Brady, R McCormack, R Frost, C Feather, K Campbell, P Wallace, T Howe.