Rugby

Duane Vermeulen to make his Ulster debut against Clermont

South African star is among five changes to the side for Sunday’s match

South Africa’s Duane Vermeulen will make his Ulster debut against Clermont Auvergne. Photo: Billy Stickland/Inpho

Fri Dec 10 2021 - 12:37

Champions Cup Pool A: Clermont Auvergne v Ulster

Kick-off: 5.30pm, Saturday. Venue: Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin. On TV: Live on BT Sport.

South African World Cup winner Duane Vermeulen will make his Ulster debut on Sunday when they face Clermont Auvergne in the Champions Cup.

Vermeulen is among five changes to the team that faced Ospreys last weekend. The front row sees changes at loosehead and hooker, with Andrew Warwick and Rob Herring coming in to start alongside tighthead prop Tom O’Toole.

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Alan O’Connor will skipper the Ulster side, with Kieran Treadwell joining him in the second row. Marcus Rea gets the nod at blindside flanker, with Nick Timoney retained at openside and Vermeulen packing down in the number 8 jersey.

Behind the pack, Ireland international James Hume is the sole change to the Ulster backline. John Cooney and Billy Burns retain their half-back partnership, with outside centre Hume coming in to partner Stuart McCloskey in midfield. Ethan McIlroy, Robert Baloucoune and Mike Lowry make up a dynamic looking back three.

Former Munster player JJ Hanrahan will start at outhalf for the French side.

CLERMONT AUVERGNE: Cheik Tiberghien; Damian Penaud, Jean-Pascal Barraque, Tani Vili, Alivereti Raka; JJ Hanrahan, Kevin Viallard; Peni Ravai, Yohan Beheregaray, Rabah Slimani; Jacobus Van Tonder, Sébastien Vahaamahina; Arthur Iturria (capt), Peceli Yato, Fritz Lee.

Replacements: Benjamin Boudou, Etienne Falgoux, Cristian Ojovan, Thibaud Lanen, Lucas Dessaigne, Sébastien Bézy, Gabin Michet, Marvin O'Connor.

ULSTER: Mike Lowry; Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Ethan McIlroy; Billy Burns, John Cooney; Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Tom O'Toole; Alan O'Connor (capt), Kieran Treadwell; Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen.

Replacements: John Andrew, Jack McGrath, Ross Kane, Sam Carter, Greg Jones, Sean Reidy, Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore.

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England).