Trimble debut?

browner · Post by **browner** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 2:34 pm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u ... 153354.stm

Freddie Benson · Post by **Freddie Benson** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 7:52 pm

would be good to get a look at the lad......and a few of these other youngsters - Hennessy, Ferris, Henry

browner · Post by **browner** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:29 am

Trimble to be centre of Ulster's attention

By Gavin Mairs
16 August 2005

Ballymena's rising star Andrew Trimble will make his Ulster debut against London Irish at Ravenhill on Friday.

Ulster coach Mark McCall today opted to blood the Ireland Under-21 centre of huge potential in a midfield pairing with former All Black Paul Steinmetz for the pre-season friendly (kick-off 7.30pm).

"Andrew had a fantastic Under-21 World Cup, he has made great progress in the last 12 months and he deserves the chance to show us what he can do at the next level up," said McCall.

"He is a great athlete and is a great rugby player as well. He has trained very well over the summer and he knows what's going on with the squad.

"He just needs exposed and now is as good a time as any to give him an opportunity."

McCall has opted for a largely experimental side, significantly resting some of the players who were involved with Ireland's summer tour to Japan.

There is a welcome return for Ulster centurion Jimmy Topping, who missed all of last season after breaking a leg in a club game for Ballymena, on the right wing, while his club mate Bryan Young - after an impressive pre-season - is handed a rare opportunity to shine at loosehead.

All eyes however will be on new signing Justin Harrison, who starts in the second row alongside Matt McCullough.

"Justin has been here just over two weeks and has made a huge impact already on the squad," added McCall.

"Without even playing a match he is already everything we thought he would be and more.

"And I think he is looking forward to running out at Ravenhill as well."

McCall has delayed naming his bench, but it is understood both new signing Justin Fitzpatrick and Neil McMillan, who missed all of last season with a cruciate knee injury, will feature.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; J Topping, A Trimble, P Steinmetz, T Howe; P Wallace, K Campbell; B Young, P Shields, S Best, J Harrison, M McCullough, C Feather, N Best, R Wilson.

Replacements: TBC

Freddie Benson · Post by **Freddie Benson** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 1:21 pm

I would hardly call that selection "a largely experimental side". Despite Irish's run out against Quins last Friday, I would still expect Ulster to prevail.

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:10 pm

Freddie Benson wrote:I would hardly call that selection "a largely experimental side".

It's a experiment to see if Jimmy and Tyrone can still last a game

Gaz · Post by **Gaz** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:27 pm

Looking forward to our first lineout. Shieldsy throwing to Harrison - just wait to you see the look on the Plank's face as the ball sails several feet over his head, or maybe hits him on the shin.

Jackie Brown · Post by **Jackie Brown** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:35 pm

I may sound like an idiot, but whats wrong with Tommy Bowe?

ding dong2u · Post by **ding dong2u** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:46 pm

Tommy somehow managed to get a game or two in Japan so he needs the extra rest

It's good that Trimble has a club team mate outside him on his debut and won't do any harm at all. Just hope Topper has one more good season in him at this level.

Cockatrice · Post by **Cockatrice** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:04 pm

one new cap -experimental get real. Irish have already had an interesting 3x30minute game last week and if they come here and play will I feel be too strong for us. Good luck to Trimble think he needs the two older heads outside him for his first game.

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 4:39 pm

Gaz wrote:Looking forward to our first lineout. Shieldsy throwing to Harrison - just wait to you see the look on the Plank's face as the ball sails several feet over his head, or maybe hits him on the shin.

I would say more like "Look at the state of Shieldsys face 15 seconds later"

cjp · Post by **cjp** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:57 am

I have to agree it won't take Justin long to let shields know how he feels. Another way to look at it is that Shields has maybe already missed him in practice and is too scared to miss him now.

Irish to win.

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 10:34 am

cjp wrote: Another way to look at it is that Shields has maybe already missed him in practice and is too scared to miss him now.

He must be throwing well as he is still alive and on team

browner · Post by **browner** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 10:45 am

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... ory=657172

browner · Post by **browner** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:42 am

On the bench...............................

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/11_2764.php

Freddie Benson · Post by **Freddie Benson** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 1:58 pm

excellent news to see McMillan back.
Hopefully he can recapture the form over the next few months of the season prior to his injury.