Anscombe gives youth a chance for depleted Ulster
With a number of players on International duty, Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe has taken the opportunity to include some fresh faces in his provisional squad for Sunday's re-arranged RaboDirect PRO12 game against Zebre at the Stadio XXV Aprile (2pm).
Four contracted second rows are unavailable to the Northern Province so back rower Robbie Diack will cover lock.
Academy player James Simpson has been drafted in and could win his second cap for the Province. The 22-year-old made his senior debut eleven months ago in the St. Stephen's Day defeat to Leinster at the RDS.
In the backs, Ricky Andrew, who made his debut in the win over Edinburgh at the start of the month, will also be hoping to add a second cap.
Scrum-half Blane McIlroy has been added to the panel with Ruan Pienaar on Springboks duty and Paul Marshall with the Ireland squad.
Back three player Adam D’Arcy could make his first appearance of the season for Ulster if he is selected in Sunday’s match day squad.
Ulster will have designs on continuing their unbeaten start to the season but will face the difficult task of playing Zebre and Treviso away on consecutive weekends.
While Zebre are still searching for their first ever competitive victory, they have looked strong at home and have caused problems for numerous teams.
Provisional Ulster squad:
Forwards (14):
Rob Herring, Niall Annett, Nigel Brady, Callum Black, Ricky Lutton, Adam Macklin, John Afoa, Neil McComb, James Simpson, Robbie Diack, Mike McComish, Ali Birch, Roger Wilson, Nick Williams.
Backs (11):
Michael Heaney, Blane McIlroy, Niall O’Connor, Stuart Olding, Paddy Wallace, Jared Payne, Michael Allen, Chris Cochrane, Ricky Andrew, Peter Nelson, Adam D’Arcy.
