Ulster Team named for Benetton battle

The Ulster coaching team have named their match day squad for Saturday’s trip to face Benetton Rugby (Stadio Monigo, Treviso, 3pm GMT).

Abbey Insurance Academy player James Hume will make his first senior start, following on from his replacement appearances against Munster and Connacht earlier this season.

He will be joined in the backline by fellow Academy player Robert Baloucoune, who made an accomplished debut in the win versus Dragons last weekend.

Stuart McCloskey, released from Ireland squad duty along with Rob Herring this week, will partner Hume in midfield, while Billy Burns has recovered from injury to partner Dave Shanahan at half back. Baloucoune is joined by Henry Speight and fullback Peter Nelson in the back three.

Up front, Herring will pack down alongside Eric O’Sullivan and Marty Moore, with skipper Alan O’Connor partnering Kieran Treadwell in the second row. Marcell Coetzee, Sean Reidy and Nick Timoney will form a combative back row unit.

John Andrew, Andy Warwick and Tom O’Toole are the front row reinforcements, while Clive Ross and Greg Jones, who impressed off the bench last week, will provide additional forward cover. Jonny Stewart, Johnny McPhillips and Angus Kernohan are the backline options for Head Coach Dan McFarland.

Ulster Rugby team to play Benetton Rugby, Guinness PRO14 Round 8, Saturday 3rd November, Stadio Monigo (4pm local time / 3pm GMT):

(15-9): P Nelson; R Baloucoune, J Hume, S McCloskey, H Speight; B Burns, D Shanahan;

(1-8): E O’Sullivan, R Herring, M Moore, A O’Connor (captain), K Treadwell, M Coetzee, S Reidy, N Timoney;

Replacements (16-23): J Andrew, A Warwick, T O’Toole, C Ross, G Jones, J Stewart, J McPhillips, A Kernohan.