RUGBY: New Ulster caps on way
While Ulster welcomed back two front line internationals to the squad ahead of Friday night's opening Magners League game against Ospreys at Ravenhill, there are a number of first Ulster caps set to be presented.
Irish centre, Paddy Wallace, and Tom Court (prop) were both named in the initial panel from which the match 23 will be named tomorrow.
They are both on the IRFU national player management programme which limits the amount of time they will get with their Province this season, although it is expected all the Irish players were to be released to their clubs for Magners League weeks one or two.
Ulster skipper, Rory Best and backrow, Stephen Ferris, who both got 40 minutes last week against Leeds, are both pencilled in to start against defending champions, The Ospreys, but given that Wallace and Court are both coming in for their first games it is a case of wait and see if they will start or be named on the bench, the latter the probable option.
Ulster head coach, Brian McLaughlin has plenty of experience to choose from up front and there will almost certainly be new two Ulster caps in the pack, with South Africans, Johann Muller and Pedrie Wannenburg set to make their competitive debuts.
Muller, who captained Ulster in the pre-season games against Bath and Harlequins, will start in the second row and Wannenburg, who like Muller has played in all three pre-season matches, will start in the backrow, although whether that is at No 8 or at flanker will be revealed tomorrow.
Including the two South Africans, there is the possibility of eight new caps for the Provincial side - which is quite a remarkable statistic and is a reflection of how things have changed within the playing personnel during the season - as well as reflecting the need to dig deep in the resources as they deal with injuries and unavailability.
While the two Springbok signings are experienced campaigners, the pleasing factor from the statistics is that of the other six potential new caps, five are home grown talent which reflects the excellent work going on in the Ulster Academy under manager, Gary Longwell.
With Andrew Trimble and Simon Danielli both ruled out by injury, it leaves the door wide open for two places on the wings, with Mark McCrea, who has 23 Ulster caps already, probably be a likely starter at the point - but there are no guarantees.
On the other flank, certainly, Tommy Seymour impressed enough over the past three weeks to merit a place on one of the wings.
A regular on the Ravens last season, Seymour told the News Letter that his goal was to make the next step on the professional front and play for the senior side. Although involved in the pre-season friendlies, making his competitive debut in front of what will be a large crowd on Friday night, would realise part of his goal to becoming a full time professional rugby player.
One does have to feel however for Craig Gilroy. He suffered a fracture to the jawbone in the 19-16 win over Leeds last week and one of the likely starters on the wings, who shot to fame by scoring the first try at the new Aviva Stadium, may have to wait a long time before finally making that first competitive appearance.
New Australian sensation, Adam D'Arcy, on trial with the Province, looks set to get an Ulster cap against Ospreys, with fullbacks Jamie Smith and Bryn Cunningham still on the injury list.
D'Arcy is widely expected to be offered, and accept, the last full time contract Ulster have available, and he could cement that with another solid display on Friday evening - although the Ospreys will certainly target him, so he will see plenty of ball both in defence and attack.
The battle for the starting scrumhalf role is going to be an interesting one, with Paul Marshall returning from an injury sustained early in the Bath match.
Young Queen's number nine, Ian Porter, has carried the mantel well since then and it will be a close call on this one by the coaching staff.
The other key position is outhalf, with Niall O'Connor and Ian Humphreys vying for the nod. It will be a big call, but what is important in this season ahead is that one of them seizes the opportunity early and secures a regular starting place.
Neither of the pair established himself in the position last season and from a continuity point of view, and with South African Ruan Pienaar due to join the squad imminently, it is vital to Ulster's progress this season that there is a regular starter.
ULSTER SQUAD
Forwards: Bryan Young, Tom Court, Rory Best, Nigel Brady, Andy Kyriacou, Declan Fitzpatrick, Adam Macklin, Paddy McAllister, Johann Muller, Tim Barker, Ryan Caldwell, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, Pedrie Wannenburg, Robbie Diack, TJ Anderson.
Backs: Adam D'Arcy, Tommy Seymour, David McIlwaine, Mark McCrea, Nevin Spence, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Paddy Wallace, Jonny Shiels, Niall O'Connor, Ian Humphreys, Paul Marshall, Ian Porter.
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 13 February 2012
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