Ulster Team Named For Edinburgh Clash

Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin has named his team and replacements for Friday’s Magners League match against Edinburgh at Ravenhill (kick-off 8.05pm).

There are four changes to the Ulster back-line from the one which was on duty for last weekend’s win over Aironi Rugby.

The fit-again Jamie Smith replaces Adam D’Arcy at full-back, and USA international Paul Emerick and Ireland’s Andrew Trimble, who returns from a finger injury, replace Tommy Seymour and David McIlwaine on the wings.

Ian Whitten partners Darren Cave in the province’s midfield, replacing Paddy Wallace who is rested as part of the IRFU’s player management programme.

Up front, a leg injury to Declan Fitzpatrick means there is a positional change as Tom Court switches to the loosehead berth and Bryan Young is drafted into the front row, while Andi Kyriacou is named at hooker.

Johann Muller, the team’s captain, will be partnered again by Tim Barker in the second row, while the only change to the back row is the inclusion of Stephen Ferris, who was rested last weekend. Pedrie Wannenburg drops to the replacements bench.

Ulster’s bench has been reinforced with the return of regular skipper Rory Best and BJ Botha who is back from Tri Nations duty with South Africa.

In the sides’ last league encounter at Ravenhill, Edinburgh beat Ulster 16-13 and Muller and his men will be out to avenge that scoreline.

Friday’s match kicks off at 8.05pm, gates open at 6pm and tickets will be available to purchase then.

Previewing the clash, Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin said: “Edinburgh pose a different threat this week. They’re a different rugby playing side to the two we’ve faced already.

“Aironi and the Ospreys are very, very direct and very physical. Edinburgh are very physical around the breakdown area, no doubt about that, so you have to be on your mettle in there.

“If you show any weakness or any lack of trust in the guy beside you it can prove devastating for you.

“You’ve always got to be aware of the threat posed by (Chris) Paterson. He has been a thorn in the side of many teams for years.

“He’s very accurate so you just can’t afford, in and around that box from the try-line to the ten-metre line, to give away penalties because to do that is to give them three points.”

ULSTER (v Edinburgh): Jamie Smith; Paul Emerick, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Andrew Trimble; Niall O’Connor, Paul Marshall; Bryan Young, Andi Kyriacou, Tom Court, Johann Muller (capt), Ryan Caldwell, Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack.

Replacements: Rory Best, Paddy McAllister, BJ Botha, Tim Barker, Pedrie Wannenburg, Ian Porter, Ian Humphreys, David McIlwaine.