The first inter-provincial derby of the season takes place in Ravenhill tomorrow night and it promises to be a cracker.
By Declan Whooley
Both sides have won their opening two games and welcome back a number of Irish internationals back into the fold. The corresponding fixture last season saw Ulster claim a comprehensive 33-17 victory while their Heineken Cup success in Thomond Park will not have been forgotten by the visitors.
Ulster make seven changes to their team to face Munster in the first inter-provincial derby of the season at Ravenhill tomorrow night. Mark Anscombe welcomes back talisman Stephen Ferris at blindside flanker in what will be his 100th appearance for the province.
A whole new front row sees Tom Court, John Afoa and Nigel Brady come into the pack. Andrew Trimble replaces Craig Gilroy on the right wing and a new half-back partnership sees Paul Marshall and Paddy Jackson rewarded for contributing massively to last week’s win at the Liberty Stadium.
Munster, for their part, also change their entire front row with Dave Kilcoyne, BJ Botha and Damien Varley coming into the pack, with Donncha O’Callaghan also back in the side at the expense of Dave Foley.
Conor Murray will make his first ever appearance at Ravenhill but does not believe revenge for their Heineken Cup exit last year will play on their minds.
“It hasn’t really been mentioned at all, but people obviously will remember that Ulster knocked us out,” the scrum-half said.
The game is live on RTE tomorrow night with kick-off at 7.05pm.
Ulster v Munster, Ravenhill, Friday (K.O 7.05pm)
Ulster XV: J Payne; A Trimble, D Cave, L Marshall, M Allen; P Jackson, P Marshall;T Court, N Brady, J Afoa, J Muller (c), L Stevenson, S Ferris, S Doyle, N Williams;
Munster XV: D Hurley; D Howlett (c), C Laulala, J Downey, L O’Dea; I Keatley, D Williams; D Kilcoyne, D Varley, BJ Botha; D O’Callaghan, B Holland; D O’Callaghan, S Dougall, J Coughlan;
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