Leaders Bangor seek southern comfort from clash at Midleton
DIVISION 2C leaders Bangor face an early test of their impressive form when they travel to Co Cork tomorrow to meet second-placed Midleton.
Both have taken bonus point wins from their first two games, with the Upritchard Park side sitting top on a healthier points differential, and though Bangor are familiar with winning at Towns Park, this is still a huge challenge.
Bangor — who have scored 13 tries in their two games — travel without the unavailable Lewis Stevenson, so Craig Burton comes in to replace him at lock.
Also in 2C, fourth-placed Omagh head south to Thomond off the back of their big win over Malahide and City of Derry, who are in sixth, host winless Seapoint.
After two defeats, 2B’s base- ment side Rainey Old Boys go to second-placed Greystones seeking their first points against their hosts who have two wins in the bag.
John Andrews’ squad travel without former Ulster lock Tim Barker.
He is sidelined with a hamstring injury he picked up in last weekend’s loss to Wanderers and, as a result, Michael McCusker now moves into the engine room alongside brother John.
Seventh plays sixth when Dungannon take on Belfast Harlequins in what looks as if it will be a keenly contested Ulster derby at Stevenson Park.
In 2A, Queen’s University will be seeking to back-up last weekend’s 43-41 triumph at Highfield when they take on winless Galwegians at the Dub.
2A: QUB v Galwegians
2B: Dungannon v Belfast Harlequins, Greystones v Rainey
2C: Derry v Seapoint, Midleton v Bangor, Thomond v Omagh Coach: Todd Blackadder Captain: Matt Garvey Key man: Jamie Roberts Last season: exit Verdict: The 1998 champions have made just one quarter-final in the last nine years and it’ll be a big ask to get back this time around. Have won just twice domestically in the early going — dangerous backs who are now under the stewardship of former Leinster coach Girvan Dempsey but likely not enough up front to really challenge. Prediction: 3rd
Pool stage Coach: Ugo Mola Captain: Julien Marchand Key man: Bezy Last season: Cup Verdict: The four time winners are back in the big time after a year spent in the wilderness of the Challenge Cup. Still not back to their fearsome best but have seen a recent improvement at home. Probably lack the depth of their pool opposition.
Prediction: 4th
Sebastien
Challenge Coach: Leo Cullen Captain: Jonathan Sexton Key man: Sexton Last season: Champions Verdict: Can anyone stop them this time around? The province are going for what would be a record breaking fifth title but aren’t quite as strong as they were a year ago. Isa Nacewa, Joey Carbery and Jordi Murphy are all gone, with Joe Tomane in and still settling, leaving greater need to stay injury free.
Prediction:
Jonathan
Pool winners Coach: Dai Young Captain: Joe Launchbury Key man: Lima Sopoaga
Last season: exit Verdict: Don’t seem to be on the same level as Saracens and Exeter but are certainly the best of the rest in England. The key for them will be how quickly former All Black Lima Sopoaga fills the void left by Danny Cipriani’s move to Gloucester. Likely finish behind Leinster.
Prediction: Best runner-up
Pool stage Coach: Christophe Urios Captain: Rodrigo Capo Ortega Key man: Rory Kockott Last season: Pool stage exit Verdict: TheFrench champions will have harboured some optimism that this could have finally been the year when they made some impact in Europe but injuries have bitten hard. Fly-half Benjamin Urdapilleta is a huge loss while the familiar face of French full-back Scott Spedding, a new addition this summer, is out too. Prediction: 4th Coach: Rob Baxter Captain: Jack Yeandle Key man: Gareth Steenson Last season: exit Verdict: Once again are battling Saracens at the top of the Premiership and will expect to fare better in Europe this time around having run into Leinster early last season. Henry Slade is in flying form in the midfield and back-row Matt Kvesic is back to his best. Munster games look likely to be key, starting tomorrow. Prediction: Pool winners
Pool stage