Zebre vs Ulster

First topic message reminder :

Another very important to win Pro12 game and a good lead-in too the crucial Heineken Cup games with Treviso;

Ulster Rugby released an injury update

Ulster Rugby wrote:RORY BEST
It has been confirmed that Rory Best fractured his forearm playing for Ireland in the narrow defeat to New Zealand yesterday. He will see a specialist in Belfast today.

IAIN HENDERSON

Iain Henderson suffered a hamstring injury in Ulster's victory over Edinburgh on Friday. He will have an MRI scan this afternoon to determine the extent of the injury.

LEWIS STEVENSON

Lewis Stevenson sustained medial ligament damage in his right knee against Edinburgh. He will be out for up to six weeks.

MICHAEL ALLEN

Michael Allen suffered concussion in the Edinburgh game. He will follow the normal return-to-play protocols.

IAN PORTER

Ian Porter irritated his AC joint ahead of the Edinburgh game and is expected to be unavailable for two weeks.

NICK WILLIAMS

Nick Williams suffered a calf injury ahead of the match against Edinburgh. He will be out for between four and six weeks

OTHERS

Darren Cave and Luke Marshall had cramp in the Edinburgh game but are expected to be available for selection this weekend. Johann Muller and Jared Payne have been progressing well through their rehab. A decision on their involvement will be taken later in the week.

Obviously Stephen Ferris and Stuart Olding are also completely out of the question, the latter for the season. Chris Henry also doubtful for the Heineken Cup games.

This weekend I wouldn't risk Muller or Payne- especially Muller. We simply can't afford not to have him available against Treviso if possible and Payne is obviously a key player as well. I think there's a time when the cotton wool treatment has to come out.

Hopeful/possible Ulster side;

1. Callum Black
2. Rob Herring
3. John Afoa
4. Neil McComb
5. Dan Tuohy
6. Robbie Diack (c)
7. Sean Doyle
8. Roger Wilson
9. Paul Marshall
10. Paddy Jackson
11. Craig Gilroy
12. Luke Marshall
13. Darren Cave
14. Andrew Trimble
15. Ricky Andrew

16. Niall Annett 17. Tom Court 18. Declan Fitzpatrick 19. Alan O'Connor 20. Mike McComish 21. Ruan Pienaar 22. James McKinney 23. Tommy Bowe

Then, next week, hopefully Pienaar, Payne, Muller and maybe Bowe and Court will come back into the side. It's not bad but I'll be hoping beyond hope we don't pick up any more injuries in the pack. Just can't handle them right now...

Paddy is back!

Wallace included in squad for weekend!

He's no Stuart Olding, but its good to have him back. Super sub covers 10/12/15. I dont think he'll get the shirt back off wee Luke in the starting XV.

clivemcl wrote:Paddy is back!

Wallace included in squad for weekend!

He's no Stuart Olding, but its good to have him back. Super sub covers 10/12/15. I don't think he'll get the shirt back off wee Luke in the starting XV.

I am really pleased to hear that Paddy Wallace is back - I was asking on this thread if he would be playing again.

I think that he is a little bit forgotten, and a lot under-rated (not by Ulster fans). With the great young centres coming through, it is fantastic to have a guy with almost 200 appearances to take responsibility when the going gets tough.

Look what happened with Luke Marshall/Ian Maddigan vs. Australia.

Hope to see Paddy enjoy a couple more years - even if he isn't always first choice, he will be a great asset.