Ulster ready to kick off 2024 against Leinster in Dublin
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Dan McFarland has named his Ulster side to take on Interprovincial rivals, Leinster, in Round 9 of the BKT United Rugby Championship at the RDS Arena.
The front row is changed from Round 8, as two-time World Cup-winning Springbok, Steven Kitshoff, starts alongside returning hooker, Rob Herring, and Tom O’Toole at tighthead prop.
The second row is unchanged with Kieran Treadwell, and last week’s Player of the Match, club captain, Iain Henderson, starting together again.
The back row remains unchanged too after last week’s win. Matty Rea starts at blindside flanker, with Sean Reffell at openside, after he made his return to action against Connacht, following a long-term injury. Nick Timoney starts at eight, with the back-rower hoping to continue his try-scoring form after three tries in his last two matches.
John Cooney starts the big derby at scrum-half, and is partnered by Billy Burns at ten, who returns to the team after missing Connacht with injury.
Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune retain their places at left and right wing.
Stuart McCloskey starts at inside centre and is joined by Luke Marshall at 13. The experienced centre returns after last featuring against Glasgow Warriors in Round 6.
Will Addison retains his place at full-back to complete the starting XV.
McFarland opts for a 5:3 split on the bench as Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Alan O’Connor, Dave Ewers, Nathan Doak, Mike Lowry and Jude Postlethwaite provide the replacement options.
(15-9) Will Addison, Rob Baloucoune, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney;
(1-8) Steven Kitshoff, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson, Matty Rea, Sean Reffell, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Alan O’Connor, Dave Ewers, Nathan Doak, Mike Lowry, Jude Postlethwaite.
Players currently unavailable for selection:
Callum Reid (lower back), James McCormick (shoulder), David McCann (ankle), Reuben Crothers (knee), Angus Curtis (concussion), James Hume (foot), Ben Carson (illness), Ethan McIlroy (illness), Ben Moxham (knee), Stewart Moore (muscle injury).
🚨 Team News
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) December 29, 2023
Nothing like an Interpro derby to kick off the new year 💥
Your Ulster side to take on @leinsterrugby at the RDS Arena 😤 pic.twitter.com/UbuDrQfkbH
