Log in

Guinness PRO14: Teams announced for Ulster v Cheetahs

by

–

Christian Lealiifano, John Cooney and Jean Deysel are set to be handed their debuts in Ulster’s clash with Toyota Cheetahs tomorrow evening.

Cooney and Lealiifano occupy the half back positions while Deysel lines up alongside Chris Henry at flanker. Henry captains the side. A big welcome back to Marcell Coetzee who is named at No.8 after a long lay off due to a shoulder injury.

In the back line, an interesting call sees Tommy Bowe occupy the 13 jersey despite Darren Cave being named on the bench. Bowe joins Stuart McCloskey in the centre. Possibly the biggest decision has Charles Piutau starting at fullback and Louis Ludik start on the wing despite Piutau playing his best rugby last year on the wing. Andrew Trimble completes the backline.

Ulster’s forwards are still relatively strong despite several absences and injuries. Rob Herring assumes hooking duties with Kyle McCall and Wiehahn Herbst either side of him as props. Robbie Diack and Alan O’Connor retain their second row spots from the match against Northampton while Reidy only makes . . .

You will need to log in or register to read the rest of this article. If you have not already registered you can click here to register.

In 2022 we added 102,631 new images in 510 galleries with a gallery breakdown of 263 Rugby, 217 Hockey and 30 Athletics. Your registration and subscription will help us to continue.

Thanks.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2 responses to “Guinness PRO14: Teams announced for Ulster v Cheetahs”

  1. Editor

    Hi Ginger. Just to point out that we have a new Team FRU member who will be supplying our Ulster and Ireland Senior Men’s coverage this year while I cover the Academy/Ulster A/Ireland U20 matches to see what is coming through.

    However, never one to pass up the chance of spouting my opinion, yes I am disappointed that the first Ulster squad of the new season only features nine Ulster born players but in this professional era it seems to be win at all costs rather than spend a bit of time to develop our own players and a style of play that suits the players we have coming through. The powers that be either lack the ability to develop the youngsters or are under so much pressure that they opt to try and buy success.

    Unfortunately seeing the responses from the fickle fan base, buying success seems to be the option that most of the supporters prefer.

    As well as the options you mention there are also Michael Lowry and Angus Curtis in the Development squad with, in my opinion, McPhillips and Curtis the best option for the future. Unfortunately, I believe both are currently injured. I’ll be having a look at Lowry down in Thomond tonight so I’ll let you know how he gets on.

    To answer your question directly however, yes I would have preferred to see Nelson at 10 in an experienced back line, I think it would have done him the world of good, but you gotta remember buddy there are season tickets to be sold to all those eventists and local boys don’t appear to put bums on seats!

    Reply
  2. Ginger Whinger

    Ed., what are your thoughts on this Christian Lealiifano business. Peter Nelson has never let anyone done in the 10 shirt while Herron and McPhillips have never been given the chance.What’s the point of having these promising young players in the squad if they’re not given a decent opportunity (remember Tommy Seymore anybody?)

    Reply

Corrections, comments or questions?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

IF in Doubt, sit them out

Download the UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport Here

Latest Posts