Ulster team named for Clermont clash
The Ulster match day squad has been named for the crucial Round 2 Heineken Champions Cup game against ASM Clermont Auvergne at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).
Tickets for the game are still available at ulsterrugby.com/buytickets.
The team selection sees four changes to the Ulster starting side that defeated Bath last Saturday at the Recreation Ground in the opening round. There is one change in the back three with Louis Ludik coming in on the right wing, joining Will Addison at full-back and Jacob Stockdale on the left wing. Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall will again make up the midfield pairing, while Billy Burns, who has recently signed a two-year contract extension, and John Cooney form the half-back partnership for the twenty-first time together.
The three remaining changes are in the pack. In the front row, Eric O’Sullivan returns to the starting loosehead position alongside Rob Herring at hooker and Marty Moore at tighthead prop. Alan O’Connor comes in to start in the second row with Iain Henderson, who will lead out Ulster at Kingspan Stadium for the first time since being named club captain. In the back row, Sean Reidy makes his return to the starting team at blindside flanker and will be joined by Jordi Murphy at openside and Marcell Coetzee making his fifth start this season at number eight.
Adam McBurney, Kyle McCall, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell and Nick Timoney are the forwards back-up from the bench. The backline reinforcements include David Shanahan, who is set to make his 50th appearance for Ulster if called upon, Bill Johnston and Craig Gilroy.
Ulster team to play ASM Clermont Auvergne, Heineken Champions Cup Round 2, Friday 22 November at Kingspan Stadium (7.45pm, live on BT Sport & BeIN Sports):
(15-9) Will Addison, Louis Ludik, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney.
(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (Capt.), Sean Reidy, Jordi Murphy, Marcell Coetzee.
Replacements: Adam McBurney, Kyle McCall, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Nick Timoney, David Shanahan, Bill Johnston, Craig Gilroy.
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