Ulster’s star men returnfor Euro clash with Quins
PAGE 40
ULSTER are ready to roll out their big guns for Saturday’s return to Heineken Champions Cup action against Harlequins.
Skipper Iain Henderson and Jacob Stockdale (below) are expected to be back for the first of the crunch European head-tohead clashes against the English Premiership side, with Saturday afternoon’s first encounter kicking-off at Kingspan Stadium (3.15pm).
The Ireland pair have already helped put unbeaten Ulster top of Pool Three after the hard-earned wins over Bath and Clermont.
Back-to-back triumphs over Harlequins would place Dan McFarland’s men in a very strong position to finish top of the group with two more rounds still to come in January.
Stockdale’s dramatic interception in the opening game at Bath ensured Ulster held on to win and helped the star winger in his bid to bounce back after a disappointing World Cup in Japan.
Meanwhile, Ulster are hopeful that out-half Billy Burns, their main injury concern, will be fit to play after he picked up a hamstring issue against Clermont in Europe’s round two game.
In-form centre Luke Marshall is also primed to return after he was rested for last weekend’s 29-5 Guinness PRO14 victory over the Scarlets.
Prop Marty Moore is expected to be fit after leaving the field last weekend.
Louis Ludik also departed early against the Scarlets but he is thought to have no issues and is likely to continue at full-back in place of the suspended Will Addison.
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