Foley clocks double century
Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:26
Eighthman Anthony Foley is set to win his 200th competitive Munster cap when he leads the side out at Ravenhill Park, Belfast, in a crucial Magners League encounter with Ulster on Wednesday.
Declan Kidney, coach of the Heineken Cup finalists, Munster, has made just three changes from the side that accounted for Ospreys 9-8 in their last Magners League - as he continues to field two separate teams, one in the Magners League and another in the Heineken Cup.
The one backline change for Wednesday's outing sees Peter Stringer return to the starting fifteen, where he will partner Paul Warwick.
Donncha O'Callaghan is omitted, with Donnacha Ryan slotting into the second row alongside Mick O'Driscoll.
John O'Sullivan, who wore the No.7 jersey so impressively against the Ospreys, switches to the blindside flank, with Niall Ronan - forced out last time with a back strain - returning to the openside.
* Mea meanwhile Ulster Coach Matt Williams made six changes to the side that were defeated at the Arms Park in Cardiff over a week ago.
The front row welcomes back Ulster captain Rory Best, who returns from injury to line up beside Bryan Young at loosehead prop and Tom Court at tighthead. Stephen Ferris returns to action with Roger Wilson dropping out of squad and Neil Best named as back row cover on the bench.
In the backs Williams has made three changes with the halfback partnership of Isaac Boss (No.9) and Paddy Wallace (No.10) replacing Paul Marshall and Niall O'Connor - who are both named as replacements.
Bryn Cunningham returns to start at fullback, with young Mark McCrea named on the bench.
Rory Best said this of the fixture: "We have a point to prove after the away fixture in Cork and what better way to prove it by beating one of the best teams in Europe."
Williams is hoping that the Fortress Ravenhill mentality will return for the final three fixtures which will prove crucial for his side's future in the Heineken Cup next season.
Connacht are close behind Ulster with only four points separating the two provinces, and with Connacht having two home games left to play at the intimidating Sportsground, Ulster's qualification for Heineken Cup Rugby next season is by no means secured.
Teams:
Ulster: 15 Bryn Cunningham 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Andrew Trimble, 12 Rob Dewey, 11 Mark Bartholomeusz 10 Paddy Wallace, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Stephen Ferris, 7 Kieran Dawson, 6 Matt McCullough, 5 Ryan Caldwell, 4 Carlo Del Fava, 3 Tom Court, 2 Rory Best (captain), 1 Bryan Young.
Replacements: 16 Nigel Brady, 17 Justin Fitzpatrick, 18 Justin Harrison, 19 Neil Best, 20 Paul Marshall, 21 Niall O'Connor, 22 Mark McCrea.
Munster: 15 Shaun Payne, 14 Brian Carney, 13 Barry Murphy, 12 Kieran Lewis, 11 Anthony Horgan, 10 Paul Warwick, 9 Peter Stringer, 8 Anthony Foley (captain), 7
Niall Ronan, 6 John O'Sullivan, 5 Mick O'Driscoll, 4 Donncha Ryan, 3 Tony Buckley, 2 Frankie Sheahan, 1 Federico Pucciariello.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Daragh Hurley, 18 Mark Melbourne, 19 James Coughlan, 20 Gerry Hurley, 21 Jeremy Manning, 22 Keith Earls.
Date: Wednesday, 30 April 30
Kick-off: 19.30 (18.30 GMT)
Venue: Ravenhill Park, Belfast
Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)
Touch judges: Alan Rogan (Ireland), Johan Carvill (Ireland)
Assessor: Brian Stirling (Ireland)
