Ulster Rugby: big boost for Murphy as Izuchukwu and Postlehwaite return
The Province take on Leinster tomorrow in Dublin
Cormac Izuchukwu and Jude Postlethwaite are back in Ulster's starting line-up for the trip URC leaders Leinster tomorrow (Saturday).
The return of both key players after injury, is a massive boost for Head Coach Richie Murphy.
He said “We are preparing to go down there and win the game," he said.
" We have a clear plan and it’s up to us to see if we can implement that and put them under pressure.”
Izuchukwu is the only change to the forward pack that started the Investec Champions Cup knockout defeat against Bordeaux, with captain Alan O’Connor joining him in the second row lock pairing.
The front row sees Andrew Warwick starting at loosehead prop, Rob Herring starting at hooker and Tom O’Toole at tighthead prop.
In the back-row, James McNabney starts at blindside flanker, with Nick Timoney at openside flanker and David McCann starting at eight.
In a change to the half-back partnership, Nathan Doak comes in at scrum-half to start alongside Jack Murphy at fly-half.
In the midfield, Postlethwaite returns to action at outside centre, alongside Ireland international, Stuart McCloskey at inside centre.
Fresh after scoring two well-worked second half tries in Bordeaux, Zac Ward starts again on the right wing, with Jacob Stockdale looking to provide the threat from the left flank. Mike Lowry completes the back three at full-back.
On the bench, Murphy opts for a 6:2 split, with Tom Stewart, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Matthew Dalton, Kieran Treadwell and Matty Rea providing the forward replacement choices.
John Cooney and Stewart Moore are the backline replacements.
Leinster Rugby v Ulster Rugby, Saturday 19th April, Aviva Stadium, BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 15, 7.35pm
- Andrew Warwick (208)
- Rob Herring (250)
- Tom O’Toole (120)
- Alan O’Connor (209) (C)
- Cormac Izuchukwu (38)
- James McNabney (16)
- Nick Timoney (163)
- David McCann (64)
- Nathan Doak (85)
- Jack Murphy (9)
- Jacob Stockdale (130)
- Stuart McCloskey (201)
- Jude Postlethwaite (26)
- Zac Ward (7)
- Michael Lowry (121)
Replacements:
- Tom Stewart (51)
- Callum Reid (26)
- Scott Wilson (31)
- Matthew Dalton (12)
- Kieran Treadwell (176)
- John Cooney (153)
- Stewart Moore (80)
- Matty Rea (110)
The opposition