Ulster's Tactical Shuffle Against Bordeaux: Ward Steps Up for Champions Cup Knockout Clash

Team Updates and Injury Adjustments

Ulster rugby has announced three tactical changes for Sunday's crucial Investec Champions Cup last-16 showdown against Bordeaux at Stade Chaban-Delmas. The most notable change sees Zac Ward replacing injured wing Robert Baloucoune, who sustained another hamstring setback during last weekend's comeback victory over the Stormers.

Baloucoune's injury came after an impressive season debut where he managed to score a try before being forced off the pitch. This opens the door for 22-year-old Ward to make his European debut in what promises to be a high-pressure knockout fixture.

Additional Ulster Lineup Changes:

• James Hume returns at center after illness forced his late withdrawal from the Stormers match
• James McNabney gets the nod in the back row over Matty Rea
• Historic milestone for Rob Herring who becomes Ulster's first 250-cap player

Bordeaux's Formidable Challenge

The French side arrives with confidence after their dominant 40-19 victory over Ulster in December's group stage, where they scored 26 unanswered points at Kingspan Stadium. However, Bordeaux has made significant changes, retaining just six starters from that encounter.

Their lineup still boasts explosive talent including:

• Damian Penaud - France's star winger
• Maxime Lucu (captain) - Six Nations champion
• Joey Carbery - Former Ireland fly-half

Notably absent is Louis Bielle-Biarrey, the Six Nations' breakout star, who hasn't been included in Bordeaux's matchday squad.

Forward Pack Battles

Bordeaux's pack features two survivors from the Belfast encounter:

• Jefferson Poirot at prop
• Guido Petti who shifts from lock to back row

These tactical adjustments set up fascinating forward confrontations against Ulster's physical pack led by captain Alan O'Connor.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Ward vs. Penaud - Rookie wing against France's premier finisher
2. Herring's experience vs. Bordeaux's dynamic hooker Lamothe
3. Ulster's midfield (Hume/McCloskey) vs. Moefana/Tapuai center partnership

Full Lineups

Bordeaux Starting XV: Buros; Penaud, Moefana, Tapuai, Uberti; Carbery, Lucu (capt); Poirot, Lamothe, Tameifuna; Cazeaux, Coleman; Daiby, Petti, Samu.

Ulster Starting XV: Lowry; Ward, Hume, McCloskey, Stockdale; Murphy, Cooney; Warwick, Herring, O'Toole; O'Connor (capt), Treadwell; McNabney, Timoney, McCann

This European knockout promises to deliver explosive backline action and brutal forward exchanges as Ulster seeks redemption for their December defeat.