NEVER FORGET
Marshall admits it’ll be a difficult night as Ulster remember tragic Spence... but there is still a big job to be done
ULSTER face the difficult task of parking emotion ahead of tonight’s Pro14 showdown with high flying Scarlets in Belfast.
A minute’s silence will be held before the fixture in memory of former player Nevin Spence who tragically lost his life in a farming accident five years ago to the day. Luke Marshall made his debut in the same year as Spence who perished alongside father Noel and brother Graham on September 15, 2012. And the Ireland centre suspects it will be tough processing the memory of a cherished former team-mate prior to facing the reigning champions. “It’ll definitely be poignant,” he said. “Remembering Nevin and the tragedy of him, his brother and dad losing their lives is poignant no matter what time. “It feels like last week. It will be emotional but I suppose we have to respect the Scarlets and put our minds to the game and not let it affect us.” The Welshmen, who won last season’s Pro12 format, travel on a high following bonus point wins over the Southern Kings and Zebre. Wayne Pivac’s side, who top Ulster’s conference, are also boosted by the return of Lions trio Leigh Halfpenny, captain Ken Owens and Jonathan Davies who starts on the bench. In contrast, Ulster – who have nine points from their opening two games – are still awaiting the return of their Lions contingent. Rory Best, Iain Henderson and Jared Payne are not involved while star duo Charles Piutau (hamstring) and Marcell Coetzee (knee) are sidelined with injury. Jean Deysel was also withdrawn from the team last night after suffering minor eye trauma in training. The Scarlets are odds on favourites to fuel their early season momentum and Marshall (right) accepts Les Kiss’ men go into their second home game of the campaign as “underdogs”. He said: “They’ve two bonus points from two, they’re defending champions and you just have to look at their team, the quality they have and the backline particularly. Last year they were brilliant and fully deserved their title. It’s going to be tough but we’re looking forward to the challenge. “Any time you’re at home to one of the top sides, especially when it’s the defending champions, you’re going to be up for it. “We also have a point to prove. People are probably doubting us, certainly our defensive capabilities, so we need to prove them wrong and go out and get a result.” ULSTER: L Ludik, A Trimble, L Marshall, S Mccloskey, R Stockdale, C Lealiifano, J Cooney; K Mccall, R Herring, W Herbst, K Treadwell, A O’connor, M Rea, C Henry, S Reidy. Subs: J Andrew, A Warwick, R Ah You, R Diack, C Ross, L Marshall, P Nelson, T Bowe.