Centre stage: Luke Marshall and Stuart McCloskey key to Ulster win

When things were scrappy in the first half of Saturday's 36-10 Interpro win in Belfast it was Ulster's centre combination that always looked likely to make the first breakthrough.

On 27 minutes, it was that Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall combination that eventually broke the Connacht resolve, and from there Ulster never looked like losing.

For Marshall, his performance throughout the game felt like a statement. The 31-year-old centre's recent years have been blighted by injury, an 18-month layoff due to a knee issue seeing him play just four times in each of the last two seasons.

But with James Hume still unavailable due to the groin injury he sustained on Ireland's tour of New Zealand in the summer, the opportunity is there for Marshall to stake his claim on the 13 jersey he previously owned.

On top of his try, the 11-cap Ireland international made three incisive linebreaks during an otherwise dull first half, while his delicate, spinning offload laid on the bonus-point try in the second half for Stewart Moore.

"I don't want to tempt fate," said Ulster head coach Dan McFarland, when asked about the importance of Marshall getting an injury-free run.

"Luke is the heartbeat of the team, so proud to wear the jersey and every minute you watch him out there you can see it; it is just oozing out of him. He always looks exhausted after about 30 minutes but it does not stop him from going and going.

"He is always on the move, he is physical, a great defender as well, he offers something slightly different from Stu [Stuart McCloskey]. He is a lovely foil for Stu. You have got his experience in there which is great for the young centres as well."

Whether it's Marshall or Hume in the 13 shirt, it's becoming apparent that the presence