Marshall returns for crucial Scarlets clash

Ireland centre Luke Marshall returns to the midfield role as Ulster are forced to make three changes for their return visit to the Scarlets tomorrow.

Marshall, out since October with a medial knee injury, replaces Stuart Olding who was concussed in last week’s 24-9 bonus-point win over the Welsh side in Belfast.

Also out are Wiehahn Herbst and Nick Williams with hamstring problems. Ireland tight-head Declan Fitzpatrick comes in for Herbst while Roger Wilson moves across to number 8 to allow Clive Ross to come in openside.

Franco van der Merwe came through concussion protocols and will take his place alongside Dan Tuohy in the engine room.

Despite the raft of injuries, Craig Gilroy has backed the squad’s strength and depth.

“As a squad we worked very well together and rally strongly and as long as you keep that up on the pitch it’s not that difficult,” explained Gilroy.

“It’s a case of win or bust. It will certainly be a different kettle of fish over there. They went home pretty disappointed after last Saturday and they will be a lot more up for it this weekend.

“While it’s a home game for them, we feel we are in a better place. We came off the pitch last week so satisfied with what we had done. We were pretty relieved after the full 80 minutes that we had kept them out, and that is what you need to do against a team like the Scarlets.

“You just cannot let those high tempo teams play or they will give you problems. We did very well to starve them of ball, and our chases of the high ball was probably the best we have done all season.

“We will just have to remain disciplined which we did very well last week added to an excellent defensive display where our scrambling was really good.”

But Gilroy has warned that Ulster must not revert to type if things are going against them at any stage tomorrow. “Sometimes we can be our worst enemy allowing our opponents back into it. There were a few sloppy mistakes which we have hopefully rectified in training. We were virtually written off, but there is some light and we are back in the mix again.”

Like Ulster, Scarlets also make three changes. Kristian Phillips makes a return on the wing with Rhodri Williams taking on the scrum-half berth and Rob McCusker making a return at number 8.

Experienced back rower John Barclay hasn’t recovered from a thigh haematoma and veteran prop Phil John has undergone surgery to a knee problem whilst captain Ken Owens and scrum half Gareth Davies still on the long-term injured list.