Andrew Trimble to make Ulster history at Ravenhill

Meanwhile Tommy O’Donnell returns to the Munster line-up for the Pro12 clash

Andrew Trimble who will win his 200th cap for Ulster on Saturday against Munster. Photo: Matt Mackey/Inpho
Andrew Trimble who will win his 200th cap for Ulster on Saturday against Munster. Photo: Matt Mackey/Inpho

Andrew Trimble will become the first player to make 200 appearances for Ulster when he lines out against Munster at Ravenhill on Saturday (kick off 3pm).

The Ireland winger made his provincial debut back in September 2005, starting in a 22-25 win over Cardiff at the Arms Park, and has gone on to score 67 tries in his 199 games to date.

Trimble is part of an unchanged backline from the one that helped Ulster to secure a 3-10 away success over Connacht last weekend, their fourth successive win.

Louis Ludik and Rory Scholes continue in the back three for this important Pro12 clash, with Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall named in midfield and Paddy Jackson and Ruan Pienaar included in the half back positions.

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Rory Best will return to captain the side from hooker, in one of four changes up front. Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, has also recalled loosehead prop Kyle McCall to the front row alongside Wiehahn Herbst, who remains at tighthead.

Lewis Stevenson has earned a start in the second row, where he is partnered by Franco van der Merwe.

Chris Henry has overcome a slight shoulder injury and is selected at openside flanker, with Robbie Diack and Nick Williams retaining their places in the other back row spots.

Rob Herring, Callum Black, Ricky Lutton, Alan O’Connor and Roger Wilson are back up for the forwards, while Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys and Sammy Arnold again provide backline cover.

After making his first appearance of the season last week off the bench against Leinster Tommy O’Donnell will start for Munster.

Head Coach Anthony Foley makes seven changes to the starting 15.

In the front row the injury forced withdrawal of James Cronin sees Dave Kilcoyne start at loose-head and as expected BJ Botha has overcome the flu in time to make a return to the starting line-up.

Mark Chisholm is introduced in the second row and with Tommy O’Donnell returning to the backrow Jack O’Donoghue makes the positional switch to blindside, with Captain CJ Stander continuing at 8.

There are three changes to the backline as Ian Keatley joins Tomás O’Leary in the halfbacks while Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino and Ronan O’Mahony are both introduced out wide.

Academy player Rory Scannell, who signed a two-year senior contract earlier this week, continues his midfield partnership with Francis Saili while Andrew Conway remains at fullback.

ULSTER: L Ludik, A Trimble, L Marshall, S McCloskey, R Scholes, P Jackson, R Pienaar; K McCall, R Best (captain), W Herbst, L Stevenson, F van der Merwe, R Diack, C Henry, N Williams. Replacements: R Herring, C Black, R Lutton, A O'Connor, R Wilson, P Marshall, I Humphreys, S Arnold.

MUNSTER: Andrew Conway; Ronan O'Mahony, Francis Saili, Rory Scannell, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino; Ian Keatley, Tomás O'Leary; Dave Kilcoyne, Mike Sherry, BJ Botha; Dave Foley, Mark Chisholm; Jack O'Donoghue, Tommy O'Donnell, CJ Stander (captain). Replacements: Niall Scannell, John Ryan, Mario Sagario, Billy Holland, Robin Copeland, Duncan Williams, Tyler Bleyendaal, Denis Hurley.