Ulster coach pondering injury options

He has injury concerns ahead of the game at the Aviva Stadium but all the players who are available were named in a 35-man provisional squad yesterday.

McLaughlin is hopeful back rower Chris Henry will be fit after suffering a leg injury in Friday’s PRO12 loss to Leinster at Ravenhill.

“Chris is back training again having received treatment,” McLaughlin said.

Paddy Wallace and Pedrie Wannenburg who both came off early in that match are also likely to be available. Paul Marshall, who missed the Leinster game with an elbow injury has made progress.

Henry was a major factor in Ulster’s quarter-final win over Munster and, with Robbie Diack understood to be ill but named in the preliminary squad, back-row options could be limited. Willie Faloon, who has started the last two PRO12 games, could make the side.

The other key decisions are at tighthead prop and stand-off. Declan Fitzpatrick looks the likely starter at tighthead, taking the place of the suspended John Afoa.

There is still the option of playing Irish international Tom Court on the right but he is almost certain to start at loose. Paddy Jackson was No 10 last week against Leinster, having played centre against Connacht when Ian Humphreys began at ten.

McLaughlin said: “As coaches we have some big selections decisions to make. We have a lot to talk about.”

Forwards: Callum Black, Tom Court, Declan Fitzpatrick, Adam Macklin, Paddy McAllister, Andi Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Rory Best, Lewis Stevenson, Johann Muller (captain), Dan Tuohy, Iain Henderson, Neil McComb, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, Pedrie Wannenburg, Mike McComish, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack.

Backs: Blane McIlroy, Ruan Pienaar, Ian Porter, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Jackson, Paddy Wallace, Ian Whitten, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Nevin Spence, Stefan Terblanche, Craig Gilroy, Conor Gaston, Andrew Trimble, Adam D’Arcy.