Cave Returns To Ulster Squad
Ulster centre Darren Cave has been included in the province’s 29-man squad for their trip to Benetton Treviso in the Magners League this weekend.
Keen to continue where they left off in Cardiff last weekend, Brian McLaughlin’s Ulster side will take on Treviso at Stadio di Monigo on Friday night (7.05pm local time/6.05pm Irish time).
Up front, Neil McComb and Phoenix Ulster Academy players Niall Annett and Ali Birch have been drafted in, following the injuries sustained by Johann Muller and Robbie Diack in last Sunday’s bonus point 37-15 win over the Blues.
Muller, the province’s stand-in captain, suffered a neck injury at Cardiff City Stadium and had to be helped off the pitch.
The South African lock has featured in all but one of Ulster’s competitive matches to date this season, having been rested for the September trip to Connacht.
With the injury still fresh, an anticipated date for his return has not yet been determined.
Back rower Diack also shipped knock during the game and has suffered a badly sprained ankle, leaving him doubtful for next week’s clash with the Newport Gwent Dragons.
Amongst the backs, Darren Cave makes a welcome return to the squad after his recovery from a hamstring injury picked up in the opening Heineken Cup pool win over Aironi Rugby last month.
Ulster, who have won six successive games against Italian opposition, will confirm their starting line-up and replacements on Thursday afternoon.
ULSTER Squad (v Benetton Treviso) – Backs (14): Adam D’Arcy, David McIlwaine, Jamie Smith, Tommy Seymour, Simon Danielli, Craig Gilroy, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Nevin Spence, Luke Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Niall O’Connor, Paul Marshall, Ian Porter.
Forwards (15): Jerry Cronin, Paddy McAllister, Bryan Young, BJ Botha, Nigel Brady, Andi Kyriacou, Niall Annett, Tim Barker, Ryan Caldwell, Neil McComb, Dan Tuohy, Ali Birch, Willie Faloon, Pedrie Wannenburg, Chris Henry.