Another tough start for Ulster

MAGNERS LEAGUE Dragons v Ulster: A NEW COACH and soon a new chief executive, Ulster will hope that the fresh winds blowing around the recently developed Ravenhill will bring greater rewards this season.

That they have not won in Rodney parade since September 2006 does not bode well for the province’s opening match for which coach, Brian McLaughlin, has decided to keep Paddy Wallace and Darren Cave on the bench.

Andrew Trimble and Ian Whitten start in the Ulster centre with Isaac Boss at scrum-half and Ian Humphreys at 10.

Despite slipping up 6-12 at home to Glasgow in round one of the Magners League last season Dragons have still won their opening game in three of the last four years and have won three of their last four games at Rodney Parade. That makes for a tough opening for McLaughlin’s side.

A top four position is a more attainable ambition for most sides, which should make for a more competitive scramble.

Ulster, who finished up eighth last season just above the Newport-Gwent Dragons and Connacht, should have realistic ambitions for the same.

“Although we do have a few players on our injury list, they are for the most part returning to play imminently so I’m feeling positive about the start of the season,” said Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner.

“Obviously losing Ben Castle and Phil Price in the front row is a blow but we are in good shape for the start of the season.”

Ulster has lost their last eleven matches against the Welsh Regions in the Magners League.

NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS: J Tovey; A Brew, T Riley, A Smith, R Fussell; J Arlidge, W Evans; W McKenzie, T Willis (c), N Hall, A Jones, L Charteris, D Lydiate, G Thomas, J Bearman. Replacements: H Gustafson, S Jones, G Robinson, R Sidoli, G Webb, M Thomas, A Walker.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Nagusa, A Trimble, I Whitten, S Danielli; I Humphreys, I Boss; B Young, A Kyriacou, B Botha, D Tuohy, R Caldwell, C Henry, W Faloon, R Diack. Replacements: N Brady, D Fitzpatrick, E O'Donoghue, T Anderson, P Marshall, P Wallace, D Cave.

Referee: C Damasco(FIR).

Last three seasons: Dragons 26, Ulster 16; Ulster 14, Dragons 16; Ulster 38, Dragons 13.

Verdict: Dragons to win.