Ulster change one for Leinster clash, Marshall earns his 150th cap
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It's Friday Night Lights at the Kingspan Stadium as top of the table Ulster go head-to-head with Interpro rivals, Leinster (7 35pm UK).
With both teams looking to continue winning ways in the United Rugby Championship, the Ulster men are set to face what will likely be their toughest challenge yet this season as Leo Cullen’s Leinster make the journey to Belfast.
Following a 12-try extravaganza in Parc y Scarlets last weekend, which saw the province depart Wales with the maximum five points, and a place at the top of the league table on points difference, Dan McFarland and the squad will be looking to make it a hattrick, and back-up their hard-fought home and away victories over their Irish rival last season.
After a somewhat shaky start in Italy against Zebre, Leinster left nothing to chance when it came to putting 42 points on Benetton in Round 2.
In naming his side, Dan McFarland has handed Ulster-born and bred, Luke Marshall, another start in what will be his 150th cap for the Province. Marshall is once again set to form the centre partnership with Stuart McCloskey, who himself hit the 150-cap milestone the last time the Leinster men were in town.
Jacob Stockdale and Aaron Sexton retain their starting wing roles alongside Michael Lowry at full-back. John Cooney, who scored 30 points last weekend, is again coupled with fly-half Billy Burns.
Alan O’Connor, captains the side at lock and is joined in the second row by Kieran Treadwell, in a starting line-up which sees only one change from last week’s win. Matty Rea will be joined in the back row by brother, Marcus and Ireland international, Nick Timoney, at Number 8.
Rob Herring starts at hooker with Andy Warwick and Tom O’Toole either side of him in the front row.
Forward cover will be provided by John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Sam Carter, and Greg Jones. While David Shanahan, Angus Curtis, and Ben Moxham are on the backline bench.
Ulster team to play Leinster, United Rugby Championship Round 3, Friday 30 September at Kingspan Stadium (KO 7 35pm):
(15-9): Michael Lowry, Aaron Sexton, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney;
(1-8): Andy Warwick, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor (Captain), Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea, Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Sam Carter, Greg Jones, David Shanahan, Angus Curtis, Ben Moxham.
