Preview: Harlequins v Ulster
October 17 2008
Nick Easter returns to the Harlequins starting XV for Saturday's Heineken Cup visit of Ulster, as the two sides clash at The Stoop.
Easter, who made a huge impact as a second-half replacement in the victory over the Scarlets last week, comes into the side at number eight, meaning Tom Guest drops to the bench.
With Gonzalo Tiesi ruled out with injury Dean Richards has been forced into changes behind the pack. Ugo Monye moves from wing to outside centre, meaning Tom Williams comes into the starting side.
Matt Williams has opted to make several changes following his side's defeat against Stade Français last weekend.
Italian International Carlo del Fava steps back into the starting XV in favour of Ed O'Donoghue, who will start the Heineken Cup clash on the bench. David Pollock dons the number seven jersey, while Kieron Dawson is rested for this match.
A knee injury has got the better of Clinton Schifcofske, who is replaced in the starting line-up by another new Southern Hemisphere signing, Timoci Nagusa. Back row Stephen Ferris has recovered fully from a knock during Saturday's game, in time to face the Londoners.
Cillian Willis gets another start for Ulster in place of Isaac Boss, while Ulster born talents Paddy Wallace and Darren Cave team up in midfield once again.
Form: Harlequins come into the game on the back of a fine win against the Scarlets last week, winning 29-22 having trailed 19-3 at one stage. Ulster were well beaten by Stade Français, despite a brave second half that limited the final score to 26-10.
Prediction: On the back of last week's results you have to fancy Quins to take this one out. Quins by 8.
The Teams:
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Tom Williams, 13 Ugo Monye, 12 Jordan Turner-Hall, 11 Charlie Amesbury, 10 Chris Malone, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Will Skinner (c), 6 Chris Robshaw, 5 Jim Evans, 4 Ollie Kohn, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Ceri Jones.
Replacements: 16 Tani Fuga, 17 Mark Lambert, 18 George Robson, 19 Tom Guest, 20 Andy Gomarsall, 21 Tosh Masson, 22 Waisea Luveniyali.
Ulster: 15 Bryn Cunningham, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Niall O'Connor, 9 Cillian Willis, 8 Robbie Diack, 7 David Pollock, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Ryan Caldwell, 4 Carlo del Fava, 3 BJ Botha, 2 Rory Best (c), 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Nigel Brady, 17 Justin Fitzpatrick, 18 Ed O'Donoghue, 19 Matt McCullough, 20 Isaac Boss, 20 Ian Humphreys, 22 Rob Dewey.
Date: Saturday 18 October, 2008
Kick-off: 15:00 BST (14:00 GMT)
Venue: The Stoop
Referee: Tim Hayes (Wales)
Touch judges: David Bodily (Wales), Alan Jenkins (Wales)