Wallace fitness boost for Ulster

ULSTER skipper Paddy Wallace has given his side a boost ahead of Saturday’s Heineken Cup re-run against joint-leaders Stade Francais in Brussels.

Wallace has recovered quicker than anticipated from an ankle injury sustained during Ireland victory over South Africa two weeks ago. However, although named in the 28-man squad, it is still touch and go.

Even if he does come through a late fitness test before the team fly out tomorrow, he is likely to be on the bench for a game that could go a long way in deciding who tops Pool 4.

More importantly for Ulster, South African prop BJ Botha is likely to start. He picked up a knee injury in the same match as Wallace. Ulster’s scrum creaked against the powerful Stade front-row with Botha likely to come in at tight-head for Declan Fitzpatrick when the team is announced tomorrow.

Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin says last week’s victory is well and truly in the annals of history andexpects a real backlash from Stade.

“I never look back, I always look forward, we had a good win over Stade at the weekend, but now it is all about Brussels. I am just hoping the record, comeSaturday, will be played two, won two,” said McLaughlin.

ULSTER squad (forwards): D Fitzpatrick, J Fitzpatrick, B Young, T Court, BJ Botha, N Brady,A Kyriacou, E O’Donoghue,D Tuohy, R Caldwell, C Henry,S Ferris, D Pollock, W Faloon, TJ Anderson.

(Backs): J Smith, C Schifcofske, A Trimble, S Danielli, D Cave, I Whitten, T Nagusa,I Humphreys, N O’Connor,I Boss, P Marshall, C Willis,P Wallace.

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