Jacob Stockdale is about to hit his 150th appearance for Ulster this Saturday when they face the Glasgow Warriors, and the team is bringing back some serious firepower for the United Rugby Championship clash. He is one of four Ireland internationals who are back in the starting lineup, hoping to turn things around after last week’s tough loss to Edinburgh.
Big Names Return, New Faces Step Up
This week’s lineup sees a major shake-up, with Stockdale leading the charge alongside fellow Ireland internationals Tom Stewart, Cormac Izuchukwu, and Bryn Ward all returning to the starting XV. It is not just familiar faces though. Ulster is rolling out new signings Keynan Knox, Matthew Devine, and Chay Mullins, all set for their first starts. Stewart and Knox are coming into the front row, joining Eric O’Sullivan. Izuchukwu is set to partner Eli Snyman in the second row, making for a formidable combination.
The back row also sees big changes. Bryn Ward is making his season bow at number eight, with last week’s player of the match David McCann switching to open-side flanker. Academy player James McKillop rounds out that group at blind-side. These guys are going to have to be on point right from the whistle.
Concussions Force Backline Overhaul
Things are completely different in the back three, and it is all due to some tough breaks. Michael Lowry and Robert Baloucoune both suffered concussions in the Edinburgh game, forcing the coaching staff to make some big calls. That means Stockdale steps in at full-back, and former Connacht player Mullins is slotted in at right-wing for his first start. On the left, Zac Ward is also making his first start of the campaign.
In the half-backs, Jack Murphy retains his place at fly-half, but he will have Matthew Devine alongside him at scrum-half. Devine is making his first start after coming off the bench last week for his debut. The midfield sees Jamie Benson keep his spot at inside centre, with Ethan McIlroy joining him at outside centre this week. The coaching staff has clearly had to adapt quickly, and the depth is getting tested. Good news though, Nathan Doak and Juarno Augustus are fit and will be available off the bench, which has a 6-2 split.
This Saturday’s match against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun is shaping up to be a critical one. With so many changes, including a landmark appearance for Stockdale and several players making their season or debut starts, the pressure is on for Ulster to gel fast and get back in the win column in the United Rugby Championship.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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