Gloucester v Ulster: Teams
Lesley Vainikolo will look to put his troubles behind him when he returns to the Gloucester starting line-up for the clash with Ulster.
Last Updated: 20/01/08 12:56pm
England hopeful Lesley Vainikolo will look to put his troubles behind him when he returns to the Gloucester starting line-up for the clash with Ulster on Sunday.
The powerhouse winger has endured a painful few weeks with both his father and brother passing away.
However Vainikolo is now determined on making the England 22 to take on Wales on February 2 by helping guide Gloucester into the quarter-finals.
"I have been fortunate to have received a great deal of support but I am really happy to be back, be around the boys again and thinking about rugby," said Vainikolo.
"It's great I have an opportunity this weekend and I want to go out and repay the faith people have in me. There is a job to do on Sunday and we must make sure we achieve it."
Vainikolo comes back into the team in place of Leon Lloyd as coach Dean Ryan makes a total of six changes to his line up.
At half-back Rory Lawson and Chris Paterson start ahead of Ryan Lamb and Gareth Cooper, while in the forwards Christian Califano, Olivier Azam and Alasdair Strokosch all return.
Changes
Ulster welcome Rory Best back to their starting line-up for the first team since Boxing Day - however it is in the backs where coach Steve Williams has rung the changes.
Australian international Mark Bartholomeusz starts at full-back with Tommy Bowe and new Ulster recruit Mark McCrea teaming up on the wing.
Paul Steinmetz gets the nod at inside centre while Paddy Wallace and Isaac Boss will form the half-back partnership.
Williams also names Bryan Young and Justin Harrison in his packs.
Gloucester: 15 Iain Balshaw, 14 James Simpson-Daniel, 13 Mike Tindall, 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Lesley Vainikolo, 10 Chris Paterson, 9 Rory Lawson, 8 Gareth Delve, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 5 Marco Bortolami (c), 4 Peter Buxton, 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Olivier Azam, 1 Nick Wood.
Replacements: 16 Andy Titterrell, 17 Christian Califano, 18 Will James, 19 Luke Narraway, 20 Gareth Cooper, 21 Ryan Lamb, 22 Willie Walker.
Ulster: 15 Mark Bartholomeusz, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Andrew Trimble, 12 Paul Steinmetz, 11 Mark McCrae, 10 Paddy Wallace, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Grant Webb, 7 Neil Best, 6 Matt McCullough, 5 Ryan Caldwell, 4 Justin Harrison, 3 Declan Fitzpatrick, 2 Rory Best (c), 1 Bryan Young.
Replacements: 16 Nigel Brady, 17 Tom Court, 18 Carlo Del Fava, 19 Neil McMillan, 20 Kieran Campbell, 21 Niall O'Connor, 22 Seamus Mallon