Humphreys to reach Ulster landmark

Ian Humphreys finally makes his 100th Ulster appearance tonight (7.35pm) when the Scarlets visit a sold-out Kingspan Stadium.

It was initially thought the landmark would be reached last week, but after some consultation with the record books, it is tonight that Humphreys will emulate his big brother David in becoming a centurion in his third stint at Ravenhill following spells with Leicester and London Irish.

Humphreys retains his place in a back line that sees Ireland centre Luke Marshall replace the banned Stuart McCloskey, while up front a fit-again Dan Tuohy starts at lock following a third spell out injured, this time with a broken thumb. In the back-row Clive Ross comes in for Mike McComish.

As expected, new Samoan short-term signing Mike Stanley is on the bench as cover for Humphreys, in a game that Ulster hope will consolidate second place in the Pro12.

Scarlets have not won at Ravenhill since 2008, but even without their Welsh contingent are expected to play their usual free-flowing rugby.

Ulster wing Michael Allen is wary of the visiting threat.

“They will be a dangerous team if we play a loose game. They like to play the game wide, and they are good on the counter, so we have to be sure of what we are doing,” said Allen, who hopes to make the most of his opportunity deputising for Tommy Bowe.

“These are the only real chances I get, when guys are injured or away on international duty, so it’s just about working hard and trying to keep my spot in the team.

“Everyone wants to start and be involved and when you don’t it is very disappointing but the class of players here is extraordinary. With Andrew Trimble being injured, there is still Tommy Bowe and Craig Gilroy on the wing, while playing 13 (his original position) is out of the question for me now with Jared Payne and Darren Cave.

“I just have to make the most of every opportunity I get. My contract is due to expire at the end of the season, so I need to play well to get another one.” Helping to beat the seventh-placed Scarlets side will certainly help his cause.

Ulster have only lost once at Ravenhill this season and that was at the hands of Toulon. But the opening game of this season’s Pro12 at Llanelli saw a try-fest in a 32-32 draw. Expect plenty of scores again tonight.