Muller to lead Ulster for Bath clash

Johann Muller will captain Ulster for Saturday’s Heineken Cup game with Bath at Ravenhill (kick-off 1.30pm).

The former Springbok lock has been handed the captain's armband in the absence of Rory Best, who is still recovering from a fractured cheekbone he sustained while playing for Ireland against the All Blacks in November.

Darren Cave has suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury and is replaced by young Ballinahinch centre Nevin Spence who links up with Paddy Wallace in the centre.

Adam D’Arcy, Andrew Trimble and Simon Danielli form an exciting back three combination while Ian Humphreys partners Ruan Pienaar at half-back.

Dan Touhy will pack down in the second row with Muller while Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry and Pedrie Wannenburg form the backrow.

Ulster, who did the double over Bath home and away in last season's Heineken Cup campaign will be hoping for more of the same this time around, with back to back fixtures in the run up to Christmas.

Pitch heaters have been in operation for the past 36 hours, working to defrost the pitch and Ulster Rugby are confident that the fixture will go ahead.

Meanwhile, Bath coach Steve Meehan has named his side for this weekend’s clash.

England internationals Matt Banahan and Shontayne Hape will pose plenty of problems in the centre with former Leicester fly half Sam Vesty and South African scrum Michael Classens orchestrating measures from half-back.

Current England captain Lewis Moody leads a strong pack containing former Lions players Lee Mears, Danny Grewcock and Scottish backrower Simon Taylor.

Ulster (v Bath): Adam D'Arcy; Andrew Trimble, Nevin Spence, Paddy Wallace, Simon Danielli; Ian Humphreys, Ruan Pienaar; Tom Court, Nigel Brady, BJ Botha; Johann Muller (C), Dan Tuohy; Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry, Pedrie Wannenburg

Replacements: Andi Kyriacou, Paddy McAllister, Bryan Young, Tim Barker, Willie Faloon, Paul Marshall, Ian Whitten, David McIlwaine

Bath (v Ulster): Jack Cuthbert; Matt Carraro, Matt Banahan, Shontayne Hape, Tom Biggs; Sam Vesty, Michael Claassens (C); David Flatman, Lee Mears, David Wilson, Stuart Hooper, Danny Grewcock; Andy Beattie, Lewis Moody, Simon Taylor

Replacements: Pieter Dixon, David Barnes, Duncan Bell, Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, Ben Skirving, Mark McMillan, Olly Barkley, Nick Abendanon