Jackman to reinforce Connacht for Ulster encounter
The Clontarf player makes his first Celtic League appearance this season, having been released from Ireland’s pre-season conditioning training. The only Connacht player in the Irish set-up, Jackman comes in for John Fogarty who could be considered unlucky after a fine performance for the province in their 24-24 draw with Munster last weekend.
Jackman is one of two changes on the Connacht starting 15 with Mick Carroll coming in at No 8 for the injured John O’Sullivan. Coach Michael Bradley also welcomes back from injury prop Dan McFarland who takes his place on the bench, while Darren Yapp, Mark McHugh, James Downey and Michael Swift were not considered due to injury.
Ulster meanwhile, are able to name two Irish players in their starting line-up with out-half David Humphreys due to make his 100th appearance. Humphreys takes over from Paddy Wallace, while Kevin Maggs will make his first appearance for Ulster, replacing Paul Steinmetz. A third change sees Matt McCullough replacing Rowan Frost in the forwards.
In the meantime, NEC Harlequins are confident of attracting at least 50,000 people to Twickenham for the January 14/15/16 Heineken Cup clash with Munster.
It seems certain a new Heineken Cup attendance record will be set. The previous best for a pool game was set at Lansdowne Road last season between Leinster and Cardiff Blues, but that record of 23,500 will be blown apart if, as expected, Munster are in the shake-up for qualification.
Harlequins managing director Tony Copsey and Munster chief executive Garret Fitzgerald were enthusiastic. “We are really looking forward to returning to Twickenham. Munster is one of the biggest draws you could wish to get in the Heineken Cup and it promises to be a fantastic occasion.
“We are not concerned we might be giving up home advantage by moving the game over the road, as our recent visits to Twickenham have attracted a huge Quins following at what is our former home ground,” said Copsey.
“Harlequins discussed the possibility of changing the venue some time ago and we gave them our full support,” said Fitzgerald.
“The move is good news for our supporters who have had difficulty getting tickets for some away games, and we will need all of that support in a match that could be crucial for a place in the quarter-finals. This match is now fully accessible to the Irish community in London.”
The move still hinges on planning permission for ground development at the Stoop (Harlequins home ground) being granted.
: 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; P Steinmetz.
: D Slemen; T Robinson, M Mostyn, N O’Brien, 1C McPhillips; P Warwick, T Tierney; A Clarke, B Jackman, P Bracken, C Short, A Farley (cpt), J Muldoon, M Lacey, M Carroll. Replacements: J Fogarty, S Knoop, D McFarland, P Myburgh, P Neville, C O’Loughlin, E Elwood.
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