McLaughlin seeks fast start

RUGBY:ULSTER COACH Brian McLaughlin is conscious of not only getting the RaboDirect Pro12 League season off to a winning start but also demanding that his team play with the attacking patterns that have made them an attractive proposition to watch.

He admitted: “Against Harlequins we set our stall out, we wanted to show our fans what they can expect from us at Ravenhill this season. The key thing is that we build on what we did last weekend. We’re very pleased with the tempo that we played at; we’re pleased with the way that we were trying to play.

“It’s a matter now of proving we can do it in the heat of battle and competition. To have nine players away representing their country is outstanding for us. From our point of view it’s exciting and challenging. We’re looking forward to the challenge; we’re looking forward to seeing how the youth perform at this level. It’s vital for them and it’s vital for our future.”

Even though Ian Whitten is playing out of position on the left wing, Ulster still possess a very exciting three-quarter line that includes Nevin Spence, fit again after shoulder surgery, Darren Cave and last season’s top try scorer Craig Gilroy.

Lewis Stevenson makes his first competitive appearance for Ulster in the secondrow alongside Ireland international Dan Tuohy and the strength of the backrow is reflected by the presence of Robbie Diack on the bench.

Glasgow will have former Ulster players Tommy Seymour – he joined the Scottish franchise during the summer – and centre Rob Dewey on show. Glasgow also include former Connacht player Troy Nathan in the centre. Ulster, though, should have too much against opposition over whom they did the double last season.

ULSTER: A D’Arcy; C Gilroy, D Cave, N Spence, I Whitten; I Humphreys, P Marshall; P McAllister, A Kyriacou, J Cronin; L Stevenson, D Tuohy; P Wannenburg, W Faloon, C Henry (capt). Replacements: N Brady, C Carey, A Macklin, N McComb, R Diack, I Porter, P Jackson, P Nelson.

GLASGOW WARRIORS: S Hogg; T Seymour, R Dewey, T Nathan; C Shaw; D Weir; C Gregor; J Welsh, P MacArthur, M Cusack; T Ryder, R Harley (capt); J Eddie, C Fusaro, R Wilson. Replacements: F Gillies, R Grant, E Kalman, N Campbell, R Pitman, H Pyrgos, P Horne, F Aramburu.

Referee: L Hodges (Wales)