McNicholl fitness doubt as Peel looks to bounce back from derby draw

THE Scarlets will monitor the fitness of Johnny McNicholl ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ulster.

The Wales star did not appear in the second half of the 23-23 draw with the Ospreys last weekend after taking a knock to his head just before the interval.

The incident happened when he collided with visiting captain Justin Tipuric while chasing a kick ahead.

McNicholl will go through the return-to-play protocols this week before a decision is made on his fitness.

Flanker Tomas Lezana will also be assessed after he picked up a calf injury in the first half of the derby.

He was replaced by Josh Macleod.

The Scarlets let slip a 23-16 lead in the final seconds against the Ospreys, with the visitors claiming a last-gasp draw as Rhys Davies crossed for a try and replacement Jack Walsh landed a nerveless conversion.

Head coach Dwayne Peel, who was left to rue a number of missed opportunities by his side, will be hoping to put matters right in Saturday’s game with Ulster (1pm).

The Irish side got their United Rugby Championship campaign off to a fine start when running in five tries in a 36-10 defeat of Connacht.

Peel said: “Ulster have been up there as one of the top two teams in the league for the last few years.

“It will be a big test and another huge occasion here.

“They will probably have a couple of their Ireland internationals back so we have to make sure we are fresh and ready to go.”