Baloucoune Returns from Injury for Ulster's Final
Ulster have received a significant boost ahead of Friday's European Challenge Cup final against Montpellier with the return of winger Robert Baloucoune. The 28-year-old, who has been sidelined since the Six Nations due to an elbow injury, has been named to start on the right wing.
Baloucoune sustained the injury during Ireland's Triple Crown-sealing Six Nations victory over Scotland in March and was initially expected to be out for three months. However, he has returned to training earlier than anticipated, allowing head coach Richie Murphy to include him in the starting lineup as Ulster aim to secure their first silverware in two decades.
Baloucoune has been in strong form this season, scoring six tries in seven appearances for Ulster. He will be part of the back three alongside Mike Lowry and leading try-scorer Zac Ward. Jacob Stockdale has been ruled out of the final.
Team Selection and Lineup Details
In midfield, Jude Postlethwaite partners James Hume in the absence of Stuart McCloskey. The half-back pairing of Jack Murphy and Nathan Doak, who started on the bench during last week's United Rugby Championship defeat to Glasgow, have been reinstated to start the final.
In the forward pack, Angus Bell returns at loose-head prop for what will be his final appearance for Ulster before returning to Australia. Tom O'Toole will start at tight-head prop. Due to a calf injury to experienced hooker Rob Herring, Tom Stewart completes the front row.
With captain Iain Henderson suspended, Harry Sheridan partners Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row. Flanker David McCann has recovered from injury and will start alongside stand-in captain Nick Timoney and Juarno Augustus in the back row.
Bench and Replacements
Coach Murphy has selected a bench with a five-three split between forwards and backs. The forwards replacements include James McCormick, Eric O'Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Charlie Irvine, and Bryn Ward. The backline replacements are Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, and Ethan McIlroy.
Ulster Starting XV
Ulster: M Lowry; R Baloucoune, J Hume, J Postlethwaite, Z Ward; J Murphy, N Doak; A Bell, T Stewart, T O'Toole, H Sheridan, C Izuchukwu, D McCann, N Timoney (captain), J Augustus.
Replacements
J McCormick, E O'Sullivan, S Wilson, C Irvine, B Ward, C McKee, J Flannery, E McIlroy.
