Henderson happiest in the back row : Guinness PRO12 : Teams : Ulster

Iain Henderson might run out for Ulster as a lock more often than not but he admits he prefers playing in the back row as he prepares to fill in there for Ireland.

The versatile forward is often seen playing in the second row for Ulster in the RaboDirect PRO12, having featured eight times so far this campaign.

But he is filling in at number six on the international stage as Ireland take on Italy, starting in place of injured Munster flanker Peter O'Mahony.

And Henderson reveals that while he is happy to fill in wherever he is needed, somewhere in the back row is his position of choice.

"I'm happy to play in either position because I know I'm young and I need experience but I probably prefer playing back row," said Henderson.

"Because I've been training and know my detail all the way through, I can step in for Pete.

"Everyone is comfortable and knows their role.

"Everyone is on the same page so if we do get brought in everyone knows what is going on and is prepared to come in anywhere they need to come in."

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Paddy Jackson will start at stand-off for Ireland when they take on South Africa at Newlands on Saturday and fellow Ulsterman Craig Gilroy has backed him to play a starring role.

Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, has named his match day squad for the Guinness PRO12 Round 22 clash against Ospreys on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), as Ulster aims to make the play-offs for a fourth successive year.

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Henderson happiest in the back row