Neil Doak lays down Ulster challenge

When Ulster coach Neil Doak named 33 players in his matchday panel for tonight’s friendly with Leinster (7.30pm), he said he was throwing down a challenge in his squad.

The opposition makes its first appearance since Leo Cullen was permanently installed as head coach, so with both sides reshaped because of World Cup calls some unfamiliar names get their chance to impress.

“Leinster in Belfast is always a big game, and as preparation for the Pro12 opener against the Ospreys in a fortnight we know there’ll be a physical battle to be won, and areas in defence and attack where we as a coaching team will learn a lot,” he said.