Stockdale Shifts to Centre as Ulster Face Connacht in URC Clash

Belfast – Ulster and Connacht are set to welcome back a host of Ireland internationals for Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship Interpro showdown at Affidea Stadium. Both sides have made nine changes to their respective teams following rescheduled Round 2 games last week.

Stockdale’s Unexpected Role

The most notable change sees Ireland international Jacob Stockdale starting at outside centre for Richie Murphy’s injury-hit Ulster. With Stuart McCloskey unavailable due to Six Nations commitments, and injuries to James Hume and Jude Postlethwaite, Stockdale steps into the 13 shirt for a rare start.

The 29-year-old has only started at centre once in his professional career, over nine years ago in March 2017. He will partner with Ben Carson in the midfield.

Team Updates for Ulster

In addition to Stockdale’s positional change, Tom Stewart and captain Iain Henderson return to the starting lineup after their involvement in the Six Nations. Tom O’Toole is named as a replacement at tighthead prop.

• Australia international Angus Bell continues at loosehead prop.
• Hooker Tom Stewart replaces Rob Herring.
• Scott Wilson returns at tighthead prop.
• Henderson and Joe Hopes form the second-row partnership.
• David McCann returns at blindside flanker, with Marcus Rea replacing Bryn Ward at openside.
• Juarno Augustus continues at number eight.
• Nathan Doak returns at scrum-half to partner Jack Murphy.

The back three remains unchanged, with Zac Ward and Werner Kok on the wings and Michael Lowry at full-back. Robert Baloucoune remains sidelined with a long-term elbow injury.

Connacht’s Lineup Changes

Connacht also sees a significant influx of Ireland internationals, with five players drafted into the starting XV. Bundee Aki headlines the returning players for Stuart Lancaster’s side.

Aki is joined by captain Cian Prendergast, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, and Billy Bohan in the starting team. Though, full-back Sam Gilbert is among those ruled out due to injury.

Lancaster has reshaped the Connacht front row, with Bohan and Bealham coming in at prop and Dave Heffernan returning from injury at hooker.

Team Lists

Ulster: Michael Lowry; Werner Kok, Jacob Stockdale, Ben Carson, Zac Ward; Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak; Angus Bell, Tom Stewart, Scott Wilson; Iain Henderson (capt), Joe Hopes; David McCann, Marcus Rea, Juarno Augustus

Replacements: Rob Herring, Sam Crean, Tom O’Toole, Matthew Dalton, Bryn Ward, Conor McKee, Jonny Scott, Ethan McIlroy

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Connacht: Seán Naughton; Shane Jennings, Cathal Forde, Bundee Aki, Finn Treacy; Jack Carty, Colm Reilly; Billy Bohan, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham; Joe Joyce, Darragh Murray; Josh Murphy, Cian Prendergast (capt), Sean Jansen

Replacements: Matthew Victory, Peter Dooley, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Paul Boyle, Ben Murphy, Josh Ioane, John Devine

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Munster’s South African Tour Begins

Meanwhile, Michael Milne and Tom Farrell are the only two Munster players who start in their first South African tour game against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday. Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, and Jeremy Loughman have joined the squad but will be held back for next week’s match against the Bulls.

Clayton McMillan has made six changes to the side that defeated Zebre, with Tom Ahern, Alex Nankivell, and John Hodnett returning from injury.

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; JJ Hanrahan (capt), Ethan Coughlan; Michael Milne, Diarmuid Barron, Michael Ala’alatoa; Jean Kleyn, Tom Ahern; Seán Edogbo, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley, Paddy Patterson, Dan Kelly, Brian Gleeson.

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FAQ

What prompted Jacob Stockdale’s shift to centre?

Injuries to James Hume and Jude Postlethwaite, combined with Stuart McCloskey’s unavailability due to Six Nations duty, led to Stockdale being selected at outside centre.

How many changes have Connacht made to their team?

Connacht has made nine changes to their starting lineup, bringing in several Ireland internationals.

Who are the key players returning for Munster on their South African tour?

Michael Milne and Tom Farrell are the only two Munster players starting in their first game of the South African tour.