Pienaar to take on pivot role for Ulster

SOUTH AFRICAN star Ruan Pienaar will start at fly-half for the first time for Ulster when they face Aironi in a Magners League clash at Ravenhill tonight.

Since his arrival from the Sharks last summer, the Springbok has worn the number nine jersey, although he has moved to the fly-half role in the closing stages of a couple of recent games. With Ian Humphreys rested, coach Brian McLaughlin gives the versatile Pienaar a start at number 10 with Paul Marshall at scrum-half.

With no other designated half-backs named on the bench, it is assumed Paddy Wallace will move in to the fly-half role if need be with Pienaar as pivot. Wallace, as expected, returns in place of teenage centre Luke Marshall who moves to the bench.