The Scarlets are set to host Ulster at Parc y Scarlets this Saturday at 3.05pm, an event that will be aired live on Premier Sports. The match holds significant importance for Ulster, who are fresh off two United Rugby Championship (URC) victories and keen to cement their playoff aspirations against one of the lowest ranking teams in the competition.
However, their previous wins against Cardiff and Benetton at home, while important, were unconvincing, raising doubts over the presumption of their upcoming victory. Richie Murphy, expected to be formally announced as the permanent head coach of the province next week, needs his team to deliver an emphatic performance, both scoring and preventing points, given the decreasing number of games prior to the deciding matches on who will make the final top eight.
Fortunately for Ulster, they can rely on a number of their most seasoned players including Rob Herring, Nick Timoney and Kieran Treadwell who are all returning from injuries. These players will face the team coached by ex-Ulster employees Dwanye Peel and Jared Payne, with a key goal of securing not just a victory but a full five points.
In light of persistent breakdown issues, Murphy is initiating a new backrow configuration, selecting Cormac Izuchukwu, a 24-year-old London-born player raised in Offaly, as blindside flanker. David McCann is also being moved from number eight against Benetton to openside flanker with Timoney returning. A 6-2 split bench will see only Nathan Doak and Stewart Moore covering the backline.
Altogether, Ulster is under significant pressure to flourish against the Scarlets who have managed just three wins this season, all in the league. Jacob Stockdale, who scored one of Ulster’s five tries in their win against Benetton, adds to the tension, stating: “Every game is now must-win with the league being so tight.” Stockdale will start along with Ethan McIlrory for Robert Baloucoune and Michael Lowry at 15 in the upcoming critical match.
A defeat could lead to a four or five position fall, while a victory could boost us up by two spots. Therefore, our main aim is to continue earning points and hopefully, by the end of the season, that will suffice. Rumours are circulating that Murphy is about to be officially instated as Ulster’s head coach. Stockdale confirms the substantial influence he’s brought to the team since McFarland’s resignation in February.
Stockdale characterised Richie as a much-needed revitalising presence, having brought immense value to the team due to his amiable personality and his tactical rugby acumen, with a keen eye for detail in attack. According to Stockdale, Richie has identified a few areas of their performance that were below par, and the next few weeks will be spent on improved them.
Featured teams:
Scarlets: I Nicholas, T Lewis, J Williams, E James, R Conbeer, S Costelow, G Davies, K Mathias, R Elias (capt), H O’Connor, M Jones, J Price, T Plumtree, D Davis, C Tuipulotu. Substitutes: S Evans, W Jones, S Wainwright, J Taylor, B Williams, K Hardy, I Lloyd, S Williams.
Ulster: M Lowry, E McIlroy, W Addison, S McCloskey, J Stockdale, B Burns, J Cooney, E O’Sullivan, R Herring, S Wilson, K Treadwell, A O’Connor (capt), C Izuchukwu, D McCann, N Timoney. Substitutes: T Stewart, A Warwick, J French, H Sheridan, R Crothers, N Doak, St Moore, D Ewers.
The game’s referee will be Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR).