Seven Changes For Ulster

Ulster coach Mark McCall has made seven changes and one positional switch to his side for Friday’s Ravenhill pre-season clash with Rotherham.

Bryn Cunningham on the charge against London Irish

Ulster coach Mark McCall has made seven changes and one positional switch to his side for Friday’s Ravenhill pre-season clash with Rotherham.

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY: Friday, August 26

Ulster v Rotherham Titans, Ravenhill, 7.30pm

McCall will be doubly determined to secure a win ahead of the Celtic League start, having watched Ulster beaten 17-9 by London Irish last week. There’s also the little matter of former Ballymena and Belfast Harlequins coach Andre Bester returning to Belfast as chief executive/head coach of the Rotherham Titans.

The visitors’ starting line-up includes former Quins’ players – WP Strauss, Jarleth Carey, Neil Hanna and Louis McGowan.

In the backs, Ulster’s changes see Jonny Bell step in for Andrew Trimble at outside centre, Scott Young replacing Tyrone Howe on the left wing and Kieran Campbell making way for Reece Spee at scrum-half.

Up front, Rory Best has got the nod ahead of Paul Shields at hooker, Declan Fitzpatrick starts as tighthead prop, and Ireland Under-21 Ryan Caldwell will make his Ulster debut in a second row partnership with Wallaby Justin Harrison.

Flanker Neil McMillan, who was used as a substitute last Friday, is primed for his first start since suffering a near career-ending knee injury twelve months ago, while Campbell Feather, who assumes the captain’s role, switches positions to cover at number 8.

Due to Ireland’s pre-season conditioning camp, McCall could not consider Tommy Bowe, Kevin Maggs, Matt McCullough, Simon Best, Kieran Campbell and Roger Wilson for selection.

Fly-half David Humphreys is also currently regaining his fitness after a calf injury. The Ulster replacements will be confirmed closer to kick-off time.

ULSTER: Bryn Cunningham; James Topping, Jonathan Bell, Paul Steinmetz, Scott Young; Paddy Wallace, Reece Spee; Bryan Young; Rory Best, Declan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Caldwell, Justin Harrison, Neil Best, Neil McMillan, Campbell Feather (Capt).

Replacements: tbc

ROTHERHAM: Errie Claasens; David Strettle, Lee Blackett, WP Strauss, Anthony Carter; Mike Whitehead, Joe Bedford; Jarleth Carey, Neil Hanna, Attie Pienaar, Rob Walton, Louis McGowan, Hendre Fourie, Neil Cochrane, Scott Donald.

Replacements: Adam Hopcroft, Jon Golding, Gareth McComb, Ben Wade, Michael Kirkwood, Greg Mitchell, Tom Allen.

Referee: David Keane (IRFU)