Ulster team named for final home fixture of 2024
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Head Coach, Richie Murphy, has named his Ulster side to face Munster in Friday evening’s United Rugby Championship Round 8 interprovincial derby at Kingspan Stadium.
John Cooney makes his return from a hamstring injury to start and Academy fly-half, Jack Murphy, could make his senior debut from the replacements bench.
There is one change to the front row from last weekend's Investec Champions Cup game against Union Bordeaux Bègles, with Andrew Warwick coming in at loosehead prop to join hooker, Rob Herring, and tighthead prop, Tom O’Toole.
In the second-row, captain, Alan O’Connor partners Kieran Treadwell.
The back row sees two changes, as flankers James McNabney (blindside) and Marcus Rea (openside) are brought in, with David McCann retained at number eight.
Cooney makes his return at scrum-half, joining fly-half, Aidan Morgan, in the half-back partnership.
The backfield remains unchanged from last weekend.
Stuart McCloskey and Jude Postlethwaite continue in the midfield at inside and outside centre, respectively.
After making his debut last week, Zac Ward, makes his first United Rugby Championship outing this weekend, starting on the left wing.
Werner Kok, who celebrated his first try at Kingspan Stadium against Bordeaux, starts on the right wing.
Michael Lowry completes the back-three at full-back.
Murphy is in line for his senior debut from the bench, while Academy back, Rory Telfer, is also set for maiden URC appearance following his senior debut last week.
Dave Shanahan provides the other backline option, with John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan and Matty Rea named as the forward reinforcements.
Ulster v Munster, Friday 20 December, 7.35pm, United Rugby Championship, Round 8, Kingspan Stadium (Live on Premier Sports, TG4 and BBC Sounds)
15. Michael Lowry (112)
14. Werner Kok (9)
13. Jude Postlethwaite (19)
12. Stuart McCloskey (195)
11. Zac Ward (1)
10. Aidan Morgan (9)
9. John Cooney (146)
1. Andrew Warwick (203)
2. Rob Herring (243)
3. Tom O’Toole (114)
4. Alan O’Connor (C) (202)
5. Kieran Treadwell (166)
6. James McNabney (8)
7. Marcus Rea (53)
8. David McCann (54)
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (126)
17. Eric O’Sullivan (123)
18. Scott Wilson (21)
19. Harry Sheridan (34)
20. Matty Rea (103)
21. Dave Shanahan (96)
22. Jack Murphy (0)
23. Rory Telfer (1)
📋 Team news is in for our final home match of 2024!
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) December 19, 2024
Your Ulster side for tomorrow's crucial interpro derby v @Munsterrugby 🔥
🎟️ https://t.co/6bzvi0oUgc pic.twitter.com/MIhB0iiMzc
