Longwell, Steinmetz, Campbell, Feather named in Ulster side to play Dragons

Mark McCall and his think tank have made some interesting calls in selecting the Ulster side to take on The Dragons this Friday at Ravenhill (7.05).

Paul Steinmetz is included in the centre with Jonny Bell on the bench; Kieran campbell is at scrumhalf in place of Neil Doak; Gary Longwell makes a long-awaited return from injury to take Matt Mustchin’s second row place in what will be his first appearance of the season; and Cameron Feather slots into the backrow in the absence of Neil McMillan and Andy Ward through injury.

Tyrone Howe, who started off the bench against the Ospreys, will make his first starting appearance of the season in place of Andrew Maxwell.

In a positional switch, Kevin Maggs moves to outside centre to accomodate Steinmetz playing inside.

It seems remarkable that Ulster come into this match seeking their first home win of the season, but this is the case. Nor will it be easy, as The Dragons displayed plenty of ammunition in the final quarter in defeating Leinster last weekend.

The Dragons are in third position in the table and with Percy Montgomery’s return and great pace out wide in Morgan and Wyatt in particular, Ulster will need to have their defensive wits about them. In particular, it will be interesting to see the defensive system Ulster use out wide against them.