There have been a few very interesting team selections ahead of the Rabo 12 games this weekend, including a potential audition for the Ireland full back spot for Tommy Bowe.
The Ulster man, one of the most prolific wingers in Europe, has been handed the number 15 jersey for tomorrow night’s trip to Rodney Parade to play the Dragons, which leads one to think that Declan Kidney had a word in Mark Anscombe’s ear before he sat down to pick the team, as does the inclusion of Declan Fitzpatrick at tight-head prop.
Paul Marshall’s return sees Ruan Pienaar go to out half and Paddy Jackson on the bench, where he is joined by Roger Wilson, who could make his first start since his return to the province. Stephen Ferris continues to miss out despite playing a part in training this week.
The Munster selection is equally interesting, with JJ Hanrahan named to start alongside Casey Laulala after impressing against Edinburgh at the weekend. Felix Jones also makes a very welcome return at full-back, while amongst the switches in the forwards is Donnacha Ryan’s relocation at lock and Peter O’Mahony’s move from eight to six in the back row.
Ulster team v Dragons: T Bowe; A Trimble, D Cave, P Wallace, C Gilroy; R Pienaar, P Marshall; T Court, R Best, D Fitzpatrick; L Stevenson, D Tuohy; I Henderson, C Henry (captain), N Williams.
Replacements: N Brady, C Black, J Afoa, M McComish, R Wilson, P Jackson, L Marshall, J Payne.
Munster team v Zebre: Felix Jones; Luke O’Dea, Casey Laulala, JJ Hanrahan, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Mike Sherry, Stephen Archer; Donncha O’Callaghan, Donncha Ryan; Dave O’Callaghan, Peter O’Mahony, Paddy Butler.
Replacements: Damien Varley, Marcus Horan, BJ Botha; Billy Holland, Tommy O’Donnell; Conor Murray, Johne Murphy, Denis Hurley.
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