Humphreys looking for a big finish
Thu, 08 May 2008 15:59
Iconic Irish star David Humphreys will be looking to end his career on a high when he plays at flyhalf for Ulster in their final Magners League outing, against the Cardiff Blues at Ravenhill Park, Belfast, on Friday.
It is not just Ulster's last game of the season, but Humphreys' last game of his professional career.
The Ulster and Ireland legend has been plagued with injuries this season, but was named in the starting XV for this game.
"I am delighted to be playing tomorrow [Friday] night at Ravenhill," he said on Thursday.
"It's great to get a final opportunity to play for Ulster and with the injuries I've suffered this season I didn't think it would happen. I'm really looking forward to running out one last time."
Ulster coach Matt Williams said: "David is an iconic figure in Ulster and Irish rugby and I hope the people of Ulster turn up to say thank you for a remarkable career."
With Ulster now qualified for the Heineken Cup next season, Matt Williams has made five changes to the starting line-up, the backline remains the same apart from Wallace dropping to the bench to accommodate Humphreys.
Bryan Young starts at loosehead prop, with Justin Fitzpatrick named on the bench.
Carlo Del Fava picked up an injury against Glasgow and Ryan Caldwell starts in the second row alongside Justin Harrison, who will be making his final appearance for Ulster before moving onto Bath.
Stephen Ferris returns from injury to take his place as blindside flank, with Matt McCullough dropping to be bench and Kieron Dawson starting at openside.
Ulster: 15 Mark Bartholomeusz, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Andrew Trimble, 12 Rob Dewey, 11 Simon Danielli, 10 David Humphreys, Isaac Boss, 8 Roger Wilson, 7 Kieron Dawson, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Ryan Caldwell, 4 Justin Harrison, 3 Tom Court, 2 Rory Best (captain), 1 Bryan Young.
Replacements: 16 Nigel Brady, 17 Justin
Fitzpatrick, 18 Matt McCullough, 19 Neil Best, 20 Paul Marshall, 21 Paul Wallace, 22 Mark McCrea.
Date: Friday, May 9
Venue: Ravenhill Park, Belfast
Kick-off: 19.30 (18.30 GMT)
Referee: Andy Macpherson (SRU)
Touch Judges: E O'Dowd (IRFU), M Gargan (IRFU)
