Montpellier v Ulster: EPCR Challenge Cup Final team news, predictions, match officials and how to watch
Robert Baloucoune returns for Ulster.
Ulster have been bolstered by the return of Ireland wing Robert Baloucoune for the EPCR Challenge Cup Final meeting with Montpellier at San Mamés Stadium on Friday.
Head coach Richie Murphy revealed his team for tomorrow’s game in Bilbao on Thursday and the sight of Baloucoune for such a key match will please Ulster supporters.
It is the international flyer’s first start for the province following an injury in Ireland’s Six Nations Triple Crown clinching 43-21 victory over Scotland back on March 14.
Baloucoune back
He’s joined in the back three positions by top try-scorer Zac Ward, who starts on the left wing, with Baloucoune on the right. Michael Lowry continues as their full-back.
In the midfield Jude Postlethwaite starts at inside centre, while James Hume will don number 13, with Ireland star Stuart McCloskey ruled out due to a hamstring issue.
There is a return to the starting line-up for scrum-half Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy at fly-half, with both players having featured off the bench last week in the URC.
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Up front, Wallabies international Angus Bell starts at loosehead prop, with Ireland internationals Tom Stewart and Tom O’Toole starting at hooker and tighthead prop.
In the second-row, Harry Sheridan and Cormac Izuchukwu start while David McCann, Nick Timoney and South African, Juarno Augustus, complete Ulster‘s back-row.
Murphy has plumped for a 5:3 split on the bench with James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Charlie Irvine and Bryn Ward their forward replacements. Conor McKee, Jake Flannery and Ethan McIlroy form the backline options for the final with no place for fan favourite Werner Kok, who leaves the province at the end of the season.
Montpellier side
Meanwhile, Montpellier come into the Challenge Cup Final on the back of a stunning 36-33 win at Castres in the Top 14 which keeps them in second place on the table.
There are two Australian internationals in their team as hooker Jordan Uelese and full-back Tom Banks get starts while Argentinian Domingo Miotti is their number 10.
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Former England number eight Billy Vunipola captains the French outfit and will look to form a solid combination with former Lions tourist and scrum-half, Ali Price.
There are also two current France internationals in the starting XV as flanker Lenni Nouchi and outside centre Arthur Vincent feature in the team in a fascinating final.
Prediction: Montpellier by 3
The teams
Montpellier: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Gabriel N’Gandebe, 13 Arthur Vincent, 12 Auguste Cadot, 11 Donovan Taofifenua, 10 Domingo Miotti, 9 Ali Price, 8 Billy Vunipola (c), 7 Alex Becognee, 6 Lenni Nouchi, 5 Tyler Duguid, 4 Florian Verhaeghe, 3 Mohamed Haouas, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Enzo Forletta
Replacements: 16 Lyam Akrab, 17 Baptiste Erdocio, 18 Wilfrid Hounkpatin, 19 Adam Beard, 20 Marco Tauleigne, 21 Leo Coly, 22 Thomas Darmon, 23 Jon Echegaray
Ulster: 15 Mike Lowry, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 James Hume, 12 Jude Postlethwaite, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Nick Timoney (c), 6 Dave McCann, 5 Cormac Izuchukwu, 4 Harry Sheridan, 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Tom Stewart, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 James McCormick, 17 Eric O’Sullivan, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Charlie Irvine, 20 Bryn Ward, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Ethan Mcilroy
Date: Friday, May 22
Venue: San Mames Stadium, Bilbao
Kick-off: 21:00 local (20:00 BST, 19:00 GMT)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant Referees: Andrea Piardi (Italy), Craig Evans (Wales)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
How to watch: Premier Sports / ITV / France TV / beIN SPORTS / epcrugby.tv / FloRugby / Movistar +