Tuohy back in Ulster harness

DAN TUOHY gets his first Ulster start for nearly four months when he lines out beside skipper Johann Muller in the second-row for Ulster’s trip to Glasgow tonight.

Tuohy, who made a try-scoring Irish international debut at blindside flanker against the All Blacks last June, had been sidelined with a troublesome groin problem. But he returned to action from the bench last week and was very impressive in Ulster’s last-ditch win over the Dragons.

“It was great to get the cobwebs blown away,” said the 25-year-old.

“It’s been a frustrating time for me, so now I need to put my case forward to be included in the team on a regular basis. Like everyone else, I want a piece of the action and to be part of an exciting end to the season.

“But at the moment, it’s difficult to get into the team. And that goes for a number of positions. But that is a good thing for the overall health of the team.

“No one is sure of their place and everyone wants to be on top of their game week-in, week-out. At the minute, Ulster is a good place to be.”

Competition for places is shown by coach Brian McLaughlin’s mix and match attitude as he parades Scotland winger Simon Danielli at full-back with Adam D’Arcy resigned to the bench in a side that shows eight changes from the victory over the Dragons.

With Irish winger Andrew Trimble not considered due to a quad injury, McLaughlin continues with his two young wingers Conor Gaston and Craig Gilroy while Paddy Wallace returns to join the excellent Nevin Spence in midfield.

Fresh from his last-minute drop-goal clincher last week, Ruan Pienaar starts at fly-half with Paul Marshall his half-back partner.

Up front, Ireland’s Rory Best will be on the bench with Andy Kyriacou again starting at hooker, Tom Court at loose-head and Declan Fitzpatrick at tight.

In the back-row Pedrie Wannenburg starts at number eight with Chris Henry given the number seven jersey and Robbie Diack getting a chance at blindside.