Celtic League: Jonathan Bell last night withdrew from the Ulster team to play Neath-Swansea with an Achilles tendon strain. Bell is in contention for a place in the Ireland squad for the World Cup in Australia later this month. The squad will be announced on Sunday.
Following a captain's run at tonight's venue, the centre felt an underlying niggle to the problem. The fact that it appears a borderline decision suggests the strain shouldn't be that serious. Coach Alan Solomons had brought Shane Stewart with the squad as a 23rd player and the Ballymena centre comes straight into the team. Neil Doak and Gary Longwell also have the distraction of Sunday's squad announcement.
Paddy Wallace returns at outhalf in the absence of David Humphreys. Former Wallaby Rod Moore is in the front row, joining former Connacht prop Ronan McCormack and New Zealander Matt Sexton.
Neath have five internationals but leave another couple, outhalf Gavin Henson and flanker Gavin Thomas, on the bench.
NEATH-SWANSEA OSPREYS: A Durston; D Tieuti, J Storey, S Gibbs (capt), E Sevalai; S Connor, A Williams; P James, B Williams, A Millward; A Newman, L Tait; J Bater, R Pugh, N Bonner-Evans. Replacements: G Morris, G Henson, R Richards, C Wells, G Thomas, L Bateman, C Griffiths.
ULSTER: B Cunningham; S Young, R Constable, J Bell, T Howe; P Wallace, N Doak; R McCormack, M Sexton, R Moore; R Frost, G Longwell; A Ward (capt), R Wilson, N Best. Replacements: P Shields, B Young, M Mustchin, N McMillan, K Campbell, A Larkin, S Mallon
Referee: G Davies (Scotland).
Neath-Swansea v Ulster
The Gnoll, 7.05
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