Provincial Teams

[epaddy]

Edinburgh v Ulster (Fri)
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Friday, 17 February
Kick-off: 1930 GMT
Live: Commentary on Radio Ulster MW and the BBC Sport website

Simon Webster, Craig Smith and Dougie Hall have been released from Scotland duty to play for Edinburgh Gunners against Ulster in the Celtic League.

Francisco Leonelli switches from the right wing to full-back to accommodate Webster, while Michael Pyke wins promotion from the bench to centre.

All Ulster's Ireland contingent, apart from Tommy Bowe, will start.

The only forced absentee is former Ireland centre Kevin Maggs, who is still on the injured list.

David Humphreys is named at fly-half, while Andrew Trimble gets one of the centre berths alongside Paul Steinmetz.

Neil Best is included in the back row after recovering from a back strain, while front row brothers Simon Best and Rory Best will also start.

LAST LEAGUE MEETINGS
16 September 2005:
Ulster 30-23 Edinburgh
17 December 2004:
Edinburgh 36-34 Ulster

Isaac Boss is named at scrum-half, while James Topping and Andrew Maxwell get the wing berths.

Jonny Bell continues in Maggs' absence.

Edinburgh are at present two points ahead of Ulster, who are in fourth place, and the Scots aim to build on their victory over Cardiff.

Head coach Todd Blackadder said: "It was a magic night in Cardiff, but Ulster will present a different challenge and we've prepared for them to be at their best.

"It's great they've named a strong squad and, to be honest, that's an advantage for us.

"We haven't beaten Ulster for a while, but we've had opportunities and come really close."

Edinburgh: F Leonelli, S Webster, P Godman, M Dey, M Pyke, D Hodge, R Lawson (capt), A Jacobsen, A Kelly, A Dickinson, A Strokosch, D Duley, M Mustchin, D Callam, S Cross. Replacements: D Hall, C Smith, A MacDonald, F Pringle, A Monro, P Jorgensen, N De Luca.

Ulster: B Cunningham, J Topping, A Trimble, P Steinmetz, A Maxwell, D Humphreys, I Boss, B Young, R Best, S Best (capt), J Harrison, M McCullough, N Best, S Ferris, R Wilson Replacements: N Brady, J Fitzpatrick, R Frost, N McMillan, K Campbell, A Larkin, J Bell

[Flash Gordon]

Johnny Bell is still being paid to play rugby????!!!!

[sewa]

Please tell me Trimble will be playing the next game for Ireland. Surely EOS can see that he is wasted on the bench.

[Flash Gordon]

Please tell me Trimble will be playing the next game for Ireland. Surely EOS can see that he is wasted on the bench.

Don't think its an indicator, he just needs game time, he barely stretched his legs last weekend.

[sewa]

I betcha Bowe is named on the wing with Trimble on the bench come next week.

[Flash Gordon]

I betcha Bowe is named on the wing with Trimble on the bench come next week.

I wouldn't be surprised.....

[epaddy]

Three Changes For Munster.

Munster coach Declan Kidney makes three changes, from the side that defeated Newport-Gwent Dragons, for Saturday's Celtic League clash with Glasgow Warriors in Thomond Park (3.30pm).

John Kelly comes onto the right wing for Ian Dowling, Kelly was on the bench against the Dragons. Trevor Halstead replaces Gary Connolly in the centre to renew his Heineken Cup partnership with Ireland A international Barry Murphy while up front Donncha O'Callaghan will partner Ireland A skipper Mick O'Driscoll with Trevor Hogan making way but included on the bench.

When the sides last met, in Hughenden in September, Glasgow were handsome winners 32-10.

Munster: S Payne; J Kelly, B Murphy, T Halstead, A Horgan; M Lawlor, T O'Leary; F Roche, D Fogarty, F Puciariello; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; S Keogh, J O'Connor, A Foley capt.

Replacements: T Buckley, M Horan/E McGovern, T Hogan, J O'Sullivan, M Prendergast, B Keeshan, G Connolly