Ludik to earn 100th Ulster cap versus Scarlets

Nov 29 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 1100 Views • Comments Off on Ludik to earn 100th Ulster cap versus Scarlets

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Louis Ludik will earn his 100th Ulster cap on Friday evening, as he is named to start against Scarlets in Round 7 of the Guinness PRO14 (Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm.)

Fan favourite Ludik, who made his debut against the same opposition in September 2014, will start at full-back, where he will be joined in the back three by the returning Craig Gilroy and Robert Baloucoune, who is set for his first start of the season.

Matt Faddes and Bill Johnston are the other changes to the backline, with Faddes joining Stuart McCloskey in midfield and fly-half Johnston partnering John Cooney at half-back.

The front row remains unchanged; Eric O’Sullivan will play loosehead prop, Rob Herring starts at hooker and will captain the side, and Marty Moore will start at tighthead prop. Kieran Treadwell is one of two changes among the forwards, coming in to start alongside Alan O’Connor in the second row. Matthew Rea returns to start at blindside flanker while the versatile Sean Reidy moves to openside, and Marcell Coetzee remains at number eight.

Summer signing David O’Connor, brother of Alan, is set to earn his maiden Ulster cap if called upon from the bench. Adam McBurney, Andrew Warwick, Tom O’Toole and Nick Timoney will provide the forward options from the bench along with O’Connor. David Shanahan – who is set to hit the 50 cap milestone – Angus Curtis and Angus Kernohan will cover the back line.

Ulster team to play Scarlets, Guinness PRO14 Round 7, Friday 29 November at Kingspan Stadium (kick-off 7.35pm).

(15-9) Louis Ludik, Robert Baloucoune, Matt Faddes, Stuart McCloskey, Craig Gilroy, Bill Johnston, John Cooney.

(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring (Capt.), Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Kieran Treadwell, Matthew Rea, Sean Reidy, Marcell Coetzee.

Replacements: Adam McBurney, Andrew Warwick, Tom O’Toole, David O’Connor, Nick Timoney, David Shanahan, Angus Curtis, Angus Kernohan.

Guinness PRO14 Louis Ludik Ulster