Fully expect an Ulster win here (though expected the same from Leinster), but there could be some decent battles around the pitch and it will be interesting to see if Parks can keep Connacht's young backs moving forward against this seasoned Ulster backline. Connacht do have some firepower on the bench so if it can be kept close for the first hour you never know. They'll need a repeat of their last defensive effort for any hope of that. A first win at Ravenhill in forever would be a nice way to start Eric's send off.

Whoops, sorry, typo.

ummm, wrote: Fitzgerald has pulled out with a niggle, guess that means Afoa in.

Which only makes things worse, really.

Fitzpatrick injured (again) - Afoa to start; Macklin to bench.

What's happened to Mick Kearney? He was excellent last year and he's not on the injury list?

Got to agree with you here ummmm he's was great last year and hasn't appeared once this season. At the moment we're rotating Gannon, McCarthy and Swift over and over with Naopou thrown in on occasion. You gotta ask why when we have another quality replacement in the squad.

Fitzgerald has pulled out with a niggle, guess that means Afoa in.

Which only makes things worse, really.

That's a serious Ulster side. I thought they might rest a few. It's going to be interesting!

When TJ is interested he can do well. Can't imagine he'd be anything but interested to play against Ulster alongside Faloon in Ulsters first game back since the Spence funerals.

swift4prez wrote: muldoon is on the bench, other wise could play faloon at 6, joc at 7

Oops... :huh:

Would presume that he isn't 100% otherwise he would be starting.

Don't think you'd get away with a Wee-Wulli and JO'C left-right combo at Ravers, a tad underpowered.

The George / Williams confrontation will be juicy, Williams is a beast but George has more game...

ummm, wrote: TJ?

Not sure he's in the picture really, although seems to be going well for Garryowen?

sea_point wrote:

theCulk wrote: Gannon is going to be shown up at 6 around the pitch against that ulster back row. He will add to our line out options at least. Looking fwd to this game. A real good test after the leinster game

What are the other options, McKeon, Mul and Browner are all kaput...

Swapping Macca and Gannon is the only alternative...

TJ?

What's happened to Mick Kearney? He was excellent last year and he's not on the injury list?

muldoon is on the bench, other wise could play faloon at 6, joc at 7

theCulk wrote: Gannon is going to be shown up at 6 around the pitch against that ulster back row. He will add to our line out options at least. Looking fwd to this game. A real good test after the leinster game

What are the other options, McKeon, Mul and Browner are all kaput...

Swapping Macca and Gannon is the only alternative...

Gannon is going to be shown up at 6 around the pitch against that ulster back row. He will add to our line out options at least. Looking fwd to this game. A real good test after the leinster game

2 strong sides, this could be an epic game

Four changes as Connacht travel to Ravenhill

Friday night marks the second instalment of back-to-back interprovincial ties for Connacht as they travel to Ravenhill to take on Ulster.

Head Coach Eric Elwood has made four changes to his starting XV following the side’s victory over Leinster last week.

Up front, Denis Buckley makes way for Brett Wilkinson as loosehead prop while Ronan Loughney, who last week was called up to the Irish training squad, returns to the tighthead prop position.

Elsewhere in the pack, Dave Gannon replaces Eoin McKeon as blindside flanker. Gannon is joined in the back row by former Ulster flanker Willie Faloon, who tomorrow will captain Connacht.

There are no changes to the backs with Dan Parks making his second appearance for the province as out half. Try scorers from last week Tiernan O’Halloran and Fetu’u Vainikolo start again on the wing while the centre partnership of Eoin Griffin and Dave McSharry remains.

Kickoff in Ravenhill is at 19:05.

Connacht XV

15. Robbie Henshaw
14. Tiernan O’Halloran
13. Eoin Griffin
12. Dave McSharry
11. Fetu’u Vainikolo
10. Dan Parks
9. Kieran Marmion

1. Brett Wilkinson
2. Adrian Flavin
3. Ronan Loughney
4. Michael Swift
5. Mike McCarthy
6. Dave Gannon
7. Willie Faloon (captain)
8. George Naoupu

Replacements (from):

16. Jason Harris-Wright
17. Denis Buckley
18. Nathan White
19. John Muldoon
20. Johnny O’Connor
21. Dave Moore
22. Miah Nikora
23. Mata Fifita

Unavailable for selection due to injury: Andrew Browne, Gavin Duffy, Matt Healy, Matthew Jarvis, Eoin McKeon, Frank Murphy, Brian Murphy, Dave Nolan, Paul O’Donohoe, Danie Poolman, Kyle Tonetti

He won't get the chance

Ulster XV & replacements to face Connacht, RaboDirect PRO12, Friday 5th October, Ravenhill (7.05pm):
J Payne; T Bowe, D Cave, P Wallace, A Trimble; P Jackson, P Marshall;
T Court, R Best, D Fitzpatrick, J Muller (c), D Tuohy, S Ferris, C Henry, N Williams;
Replacements (16-23): R Herring, C Black, J Afoa, L Stevenson, M McComish, M Heaney, L Marshall, C Gilroy.

Tough team that, only Afoa and Pienaar away from more or less 1st choice XV.