Hooker, Rob Herring captains Ulster for Saturday’s URC semi-final with Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
Herring is joined by Eric O’Sullivan at loosehead prop and Tom O’Toole at tighthead prop in an unchanged front row.
22-year-old forward, Harry Sheridan, gets the nod to start alongside Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row.
The back row sees Matty Rea make his 100th Ulster appearance, as he starts at blindside flanker. David McCann, who scored a try in last week’s final round Interpro against Munster, keeps his spot at openside flanker. Nick Timoney retains his spot at eight.
John Cooney starts at scrum-half and Billy Burns at ten, forming the half-back partnership. Whereas, Jacob Stockdale starts on the left wing, with Mike Lowry again starting on the right wing.
Stuart McCloskey returns to the starting XV at inside centre, after missing last week’s match against Munster through injury.
The Ireland international is joined by Will Addison at outside centre. The universal back’s move to his former club, Sale Sharks, was confirmed last week.
Stewart Moore completes the back field, starting at full-back. Whereas, Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Greg Jones and Dave Ewers provide the forward options from the bench. Indeed, Nathan Doak, Ethan McIlroy and Jude Postlethwaite form the back options.
Ulster: Stewart Moore, Mike Lowry, Will Addison, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney; Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring (C), Tom O’Toole, Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea, David McCann, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Greg Jones, Dave Ewers, Nathan Doak, Ethan McIlroy, Jude Postlethwaite.
Leinster v Ulster
BKT United Rugby Championship Quarter-Final
Aviva Stadium, Kick-off: 5pm
