Ulster are third in the table as they look to get back to winning ways against the Sharks in Durban
Scrumhalf John Cooney is expected to travel with Ulster to South Africa for Saturday's game against the Sharks in Durban. Photograph: Ben Brady/InphoThis rearranged fixture against the Sharks in Durban is hardly ideal timing for Ulster and their lengthy journey has not been made any easier as it comes in the wake of last weekend’s reverse at Glasgow.
With the pressure very much back on the northern province in terms of their top four ambitions in the URC, Dan McFarland’s squad must start winning games again – last Friday’s 17-11 defeat was Ulster’s third in four league outings – and with immediate effect with five rounds to go. They did at least escape a wet and windy Scotstoun with a losing bonus point thanks to John Cooney’s last-gasp penalty and, on a further positive note for the province the 32-year-old is believed to be travelling to South Africa with the squad and therefore not potentially hooking up with Scotland for whom he could play this week under the three-year rule.
Ulster will be further boosted by having Duane Vermeulen and Michael Lowry available after both missed the clash with Glasgow. And despite the heat – temperatures of around 30 degrees with very high humidity are expected on Saturday afternoon – the visitors will feel there might be something on offer from this game as eight of the Sharks’ Springbok frontliners are in national camp until next month.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
PTSB’s gain from Ulster deal to lift profit to pre-crisis levelLender on track to report as much as a €400 million accounting gain
Read more »
North Korea warns Pacific could turn into ‘firing range’ after latest ballistic missile testICBM launch prompts US to hold joint air exercises with South Korea and Japan
Read more »
Garda hit in head with bottle and squad cars damaged in Ballyfermot incidentGarda received medical treatment following incident in south west Dublin
Read more »
Alun Wyn Jones puts his law degree to good use in Welsh rugby disputeThe Offload: Rule changes down under; Kathryn Dane hoping for full recovery; Scotland coach eyes up Ulster’s John Cooney
Read more »
Ireland line up Zambia friendly at Tallaght Stadium ahead of World CupZambia beat Ireland’s World Cup group opponents Nigeria in Africa Cup of Nations third-place game
Read more »
Mick Wallace gets €53 a week for wine bar ‘advice’, he tells local radioIn interview on South East Radio on Monday, Wallace claims he receives sum for providing ‘contacts with wine producers in Italy’
Read more »