Magners League Official Website : Humphreys Returns for Ulster

David Humphreys returns to Ulster's starting XV

Humphreys Returns for Ulster

30 December 2004, 4:55 pm

By Janet Farmer

Ulster Coach Mark McCall’s starting line-up shows just the one change from that which was narrowly defeated by Leinster on Monday with David Humphreys, recovered from a foot injury, returning to the XV.

When the Ulster team was announced there were three changes of personnel on the bench. Both Andy Ward and Paul Shields return from injury at the expense of Matt Mustchin and Nigel Brady, with Ward featuring for the first time since mid November. Humphreys’ inclusion in the starting XV sees Adam Larkin move to the bench, edging out Paddy Wallace. However on Friday Simon Best was a late withdrawal with a back injury; his place on the starting XV will be taken by Ronan McCormack while Simon Shawe will move up as replacement cover.

Ulster Rugby are hoping for a bumper crowd for this New Year’s Day fixture at Ravenhill, tickets are selling fast and supporters are advised to buy theirs in advance. Log onto http://www.ulsterrugby.ie/ for further details.

Ulster: 15 Bryn Cunningham; 14 Tommy Bowe; 13 Kevin Maggs; 12 Paul Steinmetz; 11 Tyrone Howe; 10 David Humphreys; 9 Kieran Campbell; 1 Ronan McCormack; 2 Rory Best; 3 Rod Moore; 4 Gary Longwell; 5 Matt McCullough; 6 Campbell Feather (Captain); 7 Neil Best; 8 Roger Wilson
Replacements: 16 Paul Shields; 17 Simon Shawe; 18 Rowan Frost; 19 Andy Ward; 20 Neil Doak; 21 Adam Larkin; 22 Jonny Bell