Ulster want to turn back the clock

Published: Friday, 11. November, 2011 in category Heineken Cup

Last season's quarterfinalists Ulster will want to build on last season's performances, but will have their work cut out when they host one of the favourites for this season's European Cup - Clermont.

The Belfast side, who were crowned Kings of Europe in 1999, lost to beaten finalists Northampton Saints last season but are currently in mid-table in the Pro 12.

Clermont, who have made a host of big signings in the off-season, including David Skrela, Nathan Hines, Lee Byrne and Regan King, will be hoping to make a real stamp on this season's tournament.

The French side have reached the quarterfinals three times but they will have their work cut out against an Ulster side which has won their last eight games in Europe at Ravenhill.

The teams:

Ulster: 15 Simon Danielli, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Craig Gilroy, 10 Ian Humphreys, 9 Paul Marshall, 8 Pedrie Wannenburg, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Johann Muller (captain), 3 John Afoa, 2 Rory Best, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Andi Kyriacou, 17 Paddy McAllister, 18 Declan Fitzpatrick, 19 Lewis Stevenson, 20 Willie Faloon, 21 Ian Porter, 22 Nevin Spence, 23 Adam D'Arcy.

Clermont: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Wesley Fofana, 13 Aurélien Rougerie, 12 Regan King, 11 Noa Nakaitaci, 10 David Skrela, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Elvis Vermeulen, 7 Gerhard Vosloo, 6 Julien Bonnaire, 5 Julien Pierre, 4 Nathan Hines, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 1 Lionel Faure.
Replacements: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Clément Ric, 18 Mattheus Kotze, 19 Jason White, 20 Julien Bardy, 21 Kevin Senio, 22 Brock James, 23 Jean-Marcel Buttin.

Date: Saturday, November 12
Venue: Ravenhill, Belfast,
Kick-off: 15.40 (15.40 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)