ULSTER HAVE BEEN dealt a blow with the news that Andrew Trimble is ruled out of tomorrow’s Pro12 derby against Connacht [Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm, BBC NI & Sky Sports].
Trimble has been sidelined with injury since Ireland’s win against Australia, and missed the Champions Cup double-header against Clermont, but was expected to be fit for the first of the festive interpros.
But the winger was unable to train fully this week and has been left out of the matchday 23.
Facing just a five-day turnaround since Sunday’s defeat in Clermont, Les Kiss shuffles his hand to make six changes.
Jacob Stockdale starts the sold-out clash on the left wing with five more changes up front.
Andrew Warwick, Rodney Ah You, Kieran Treadwell, Clive Ross and Roger Wilson all come back into the pack, while Stuart McCloskey is set to win his 50th cap for the province.
Tommy Bowe and Darren Cave are both named on an experienced replacements bench.
Ulster
15. Charles Piutau
14. Louis Ludik
13. Luke Marshall
12. Stuart McCloskey
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Ruan Pienaar
1. Andy Warwick
2. Rory Best (capt)
3. Rodney Ah You
4. Kieran Treadwell
5. Iain Henderson
6. Clive Ross
7. Chris Henry
8. Roger Wilson
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring
17. Callum Black
18. Wiehahn Herbst
19. Franco van der Merwe
20. Sean Reidy
21. Paul Marshall
22. Darren Cave
23. Tommy Bowe
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
