Best to make first start of the season
Best will be thrown straight into the mix from the start in a side that will be bulging with internationals with Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble, Tom Court, Dan Tuohy, Chris Henry and Stephen Ferris also expected to feature in the starting line-up. Johann Muller, who pulled out of last week’s seven-try 48-19 thrashing of Cardiff, returns to lead the side.
It has been Ulster’s most positive start for decades remaining unbeaten in seven games including the pre-season friendlies. Sitting with a one-point lead at the top of the Pro12 with a game in hand and with all the big guns itching for more action, it has given coach Mark Anscombe and his backroom staff a pleasant headache regarding selection.
“On paper you just have to look at the squad we have assembled and if everyone is fit for selection it means we have a fairly decent bit of strength in depth,” said assistant coach Neil Doak. “The good thing now is that even though the IRFU’s Player welfare programme might have hindered us, we have still been able to give opportunities to younger guys and they have done really, really well.
“The young guys that have come in have given Mark a wider option. Of course, with the internationals coming in it has given Mark a bit of a problem regarding selection, but a nice one at that.”
Meanwhile Ulster Rugby announced that scumhalf Michael Heaney has signed a new contract that will keep him at the province until the end of the season. A graduate of the Phoenix Ulster Academy, the 21-year-old rejoined Ulster from Doncaster Knights in the summer on an initial four-month contract.
Forwards: R Herring, R Best, D Fitzpatrick, J Afoa, T Court, C Black, J Muller, D Tuohy, L Stevenson, S Ferris, M McComish, I Henderson, C Henry, N Williams.
Backs: P Marshall, M Heaney, N O’Connor, P Jackson, P Wallace, D Cave, L Marshall, A Trimble, T Bowe, C Gilroy, J Payne.
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