McCall gets nod for Ulster Connacht gamble on injuries

MARK McCALL has named his Ulster side to face Cardiff in the Celtic League on Friday night in Ravenhill (9pm) in their penultimate home game of the season.

Ulster show one change from the side which defeated Glasgow at Firhill last month. Paul Steinmetz returns from injury in the centre and Jonny Bell moves to the bench. The only other changes are amongst the

replacements where Paddy Wallace is named ahead of Adam Larkin as fly half cover.

Ulster fans will be able to watch the Ospreys battle against Munster from 7.10pm.

Meanwhile, Connacht have two main injury concerns ahead of their Celtic League clash with Edinburgh on Friday night at the Sportsground (6:30pm).

Chris Keane (groin) and Ray Hogan (foot) are both doubtful, while Christian Short will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

Darren Yapp has recovered from a hamstring strain and is available.

Ladies can avail of free admission on Friday for the first ever floodlit Celtic League match in Galway. It is the first of three Friday night games this month where Connacht supporters will be able to enjoy a unique sporting double bill, at no extra cost, with greyhound racing beginning immediately after the rugby.

Connacht’s other two Friday night games are against the Ospreys on Friday May 12 and they conclude their season at home to Glasgow Warriors on May 26.

Tickets for the game are on sale on line and available from Connacht Branch offices at the Sportsground in advance but will also be available on the gate.

ULSTER: B. Cunningham, T. Bowe, A. Trimble, P. Steinmetz, A. Maxwell, D. Humphreys, I. Boss, B. Young, R. Best, S. Best (captain), M. McCullough, J. Harrison, N. Best, R. Wilson, S. Ferris.

Replacements: J. Fitzpatrick, N. Brady, R. Caldwell, N. McMillan, K. Campbell, P. Wallace, J. Bell.