McCall names 25 man Squad to play Toulouse

McCall names 25 man Squad to play Toulouse

Mark McCall has today announced a 25 man squad from which he will make his final team selection for Ulster's first Heineken Cup game against Toulouse this Saturday at Ravenhill, Kick off 1.35pm.

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Mark McCall has today announced a 25 man squad from which he will make his final team selection for Ulster's first Heineken Cup game against Toulouse this Saturday at Ravenhill, Kick off 1.35pm.

The squad is boosted by the inclusion of Simon Best who broke his leg in the penultimate game of the 2005-06 season against Llanelli which forced him to miss the Celtic League decider game against Ospreys and all the Irish Senior tour to New Zealand and Australia. Tommy Bowe (hamstring) and Paul Steinmetz (shoulder) also return to the squad following injury. McCall will announce his starting team on Friday lunchtime.

BACKS
Bryn Cunningham; Andrew Maxwell; Tommy Bowe; Scott Young; Andrew Trimble ;Paul Steinmetz; Kevin Maggs; Paddy Wallace; David Humphreys; Isaac Boss; Kieran Campbell

FORWARDS
Justin Fitzpatrick; Bryan Young; Declan Fitzpatrick; Simon Best; Rory Best; Paul Shields; Justin Harrison, Matt McCullough, Tim Barker; Stephen Ferris, Neil Best; Kieron Dawson, Neil McMillan, Roger Wilson

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I'm pretty happy with the squad, cause it's got Harrison in it :)

I'm pretty happy with the squad, cause it's got Harrison in it.

He has been immense since joining Ulster, captained the side for the last few games of last season including the final game where we won the League.

I think the Ulster public have adopted him as one of their own and they appreciate the way he plays "on the edge". I have to be honest and say that other than the famous Lions game where he came up against Martin Johnson I didn't know much about Justin, he clearly came to Ulster with a reputation and most teams set out to sledge him at every opportunity, his biggest weakness is that he often lets them get through the barrier and spend too much time serving the 10 minute yellow card ban.

Of course there is also Paul Steinmetz and Issac Boss (both NZ) and in the 22 man squad Adam Larkin (Sydney) to keep some more Southern Hemisphere interest.

Its gonna be a great game. Can't wait! Great to see the support from our Southern Hemisphere breatherin. I have relatives in Perth so have kept an eye on Western Force. Hope you guys can keep on supporting the Ulstermen. A team of mostly local young lads who are gonna take the Northern Hemisphere by storm. Just you wait. First stop, Ravenhill Saturday lunchtime, against the best France can offer. BRING IT ONNNNNN!!!!!

Harrison wants gameplan executed
Former Australian lock Justin Harrison
Justin Harrison is expecting a tough forward battle
Justin Harrison says Ulster must "execute the basics of rugby well" to overcome Toulouse in Saturday's opening Heineken Cup match at Ravenhill.

"It is a big stage but we must try and dominate field position and every time we control possession, we must make it count, even if it doesn't mean a score.

"Our leaders must stand up and be counted, perform well and bring their international experience into the game.

"Our self belief should be reflected in confidence but not in arrogance."

"We need to score points but must also be determined to get the ball back when we are not in possession.

"It will be difficult so there is no way we will underestimate Toulouse but we are highly motivated to do well."

Fly-half David Humphreys said Ulster will need to "perform to the same level or better" than they have in the Magners League if they want to topple the French giants.

"Toulouse is a daunting prospect but we are in a position to challenge in this group if we play well.


It is a difficult pool and we can't really afford any slip-ups
Mark McCall

"Our good start to the league has given us renewed confidence and it is good preparation going into Europe. It would be great to get off to a good start.

"We have a strong squad, with cover in every position, so we will have the team and the tactics to stop them."

Coach Mark McCall acknowledged that Toulouse have good players throughout their team but said his team will go out with a positive attitude.

"We will respect them and have a gameplan to counteract their threat but we must impose ourselves on them, take the game to them and put them on the back foot and do a lot of tackling.

"It is a difficult pool and we can't really afford any slip-ups but hopefully the pressure will bring out the best in us.

"The top French sides seem to have got better on the road in the last couple of years so we are expecting a stern test."