As preparations for the new United Rugby Championship season continue, in an extended pre-season due to Rugby World Cup action in France, the Ulster men will be looking to use this weekend’s trip to Treviso to continue fine-tuning ahead of their Round 1 fixture on Saturday 21 October.
Following a defeat to Interpro rivals, Leinster, last weekend in a warm-up game, the side will want to build on a performance that saw Dave McCann, Aaron Sexton and Callum Reid cross the whitewash, with conversions from Dave Shanahan and Nathan Doak adding to the tally.
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Nathan Doak is given the nod to skipper the side against Benetton at scrum half, and the 21-year-old Ulster Rugby Academy graduate partners up with fly half, Jake Flannery.
In a blend of youth and experience, the centre partnership will see Angus Curtis come together with Luke Marshall, who has 160 caps for his home province.
Ethan McIlroy is named on the wing for Saturday’s game alongside Rob Baloucoune, with Shea O’Brien, who graduated from a Development to Senior contract this season, completing a youthful back three at full back.
Meanwhile, the front row will see Callum Reid at loosehead prop pack down with Ulster stalwart, Andy Warwick, at tighthead, and John Andrew at hooker.
A youthful second row will see Cormac Izuchukwu and Harry Sheridan come together, while in the back row Matty Rea is named at blindside flanker, Reuben Crothers at openside, with the number 8 jersey going to Nick Timoney.
Forward cover will be provided by Cameron Doak, Tom Stewart, Ben Griffin, Kieran Treadwell, Joe Hopes, Dave Ewers, Dave McCann and Lorcan McLoughlin. On the bench for the backs are Dave Shanahan, Conor McKee, Aaron Sexton, Ben Carson, Jude Postlethwaite, and Stewart Moore.
Ulster team to play Benetton, pre-season friendly, Saturday 30 September at Stadio Monigo (KO 6pm UK/Ire time), live on www.bentv.it
(15-9): Shea O’Brien, Rob Baloucoune, Luke Marshall, Angus Curtis, Ethan McIlroy, Jake Flannery, Nathan Doak (Captain);
(1-8): Callum Reid, John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Cormac Izuchukwu, Harry Sheridan, Matty Rea, Reuben Crothers, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: Cameron Doak, Tom Stewart, Ben Griffin, Kieran Treadwell, Joe Hopes, Dave Ewers, Dave McCann, Lorcan McLoughlin, Dave Shanahan, Conor McKee, Aaron Sexton, Ben Carson, Jude Postlethwaite, Stewart Moore.