Best back for Ulster as Williams rings changes

SKIPPER Rory Best is a shock inclusion in the Ulster team for tomorrow’s Pool Two clash away to Gloucester.

Originally omitted from the squad, the Ireland hooker has recovered from an ankle injury sustained on St Stephen’s Day and is one of many changes made by caretaker coach Steve Williams from the side that recorded their third victory of the season against Bourgoin last week.

Mark Bartholomeusz, Mark McCrea, Paul Steinmetz and Isaac Boss return to action with Paddy Wallace switching back to fly-half. Bryn Young and Best are the two changes in the front-row with Justin Harrison replaces last week’s skipper Carlo Del Fava.

Williams, who took charge when Mark McCall stepped down eight weeks ago, will revert to his role of assistant when his namesake Matt roles into town for Ulster’s next game against the Dragons (Feb 15).

“I have been in similarly difficult situations before so I knew how I would react to things,” said the Welshman.

“At the end of the game on Sunday, I get a well-earned break. Hopefully the boys can do the business on Sunday for me. It would be a nice way to end my time in control.”

All Black Steinmetz was one of the players that Williams leant on this season and he is full of praise for the former Welsh international.

“I think it have been tough for him. He has done remarkably well considering the situation he was left with. He is no-messing-around type of coach. But in those last seven weeks you needed somebody like that.”

Steinmetz is hoping for an upset tomorrow: “They gave us a thumping in the first game and they need the points to make sure they can qualify. In a way it is a new season for us, and there are elements of our game that we still need to build on from the Bourgoin game.

“There is no reason why we can’t rattle their cage. Ulster have turned a corner and Sunday will tell you a lot of just have far we really have gone.”

Gloucester welcome back wing Lesley Vainikolo for the clash, from which the hosts need just a draw to progress. The former rugby league star, recently named in England’s Six Nations squad, has not played since 29 December following the death of his father.