| Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Belfast Date: Friday, 17 November Kick-off: 19:35 GMT |
| Coverage: Live on BBC Two NI, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website; live text commentary, report and highlights on the BBC Sport website |
Ulster have made nine changes in personnel from the win over Munster for Friday’s United Rugby Championship game against the Lions.
Iain Henderson will captain the side as he is named in a much-changed pack after coming on in last weekend’s derby
Andy Warwick, Rob Herring and Scott Wilson form a totally altered front row as forwards Alan O’Connor, Dave Ewers and Reuben Crothers also come in.
Centre James Hume and fly-half Jake Flannery are drafted into the backs.
With Stewart Moore switching from centre to full-back after Ethan McIlroy sustained a facial fracture and concussion in last weekend’s game, Hume is drafted into midfield alongside Stuart McCloskey with Flannery taking over from Billy Burns at fly-half.
Burns is named on a bench which includes Marty Moore, who is in line to make his first appearance since sustaining a serious knee injury in last season’s New Year’s Day contest against Munster.
Ulster Academy prop Wilson is rewarded with a front-row start after impressing hugely following his introduction as a replacement last weekend.
Wilson’s selection along with Warwick and Ireland World Cup squad member Herring sees Eric O’Sullivan dropping to the bench, with Tom Stewart and Greg McGrath not included in Friday’s matchday squad.
Henderson and O’Connor take over from Cormac Izuchukwu and Kieran Treadwell in the lock roles with Ewers and Crothers replacing Marcus Rea and Nick Timoney in the back row.
Crothers’ debut against Connacht two weeks ago was ended prematurely by a knock.
David McCann is the only member of last weekend’s starting pack to hold on to his starting role as he switches from flanker to number eight while the replacements include backs John Cooney, Billy Burns and Michael Lowry.
Ulster: Stewart Moore; Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Jake Flannery, Nathan Doak; Andy Warwick, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson; Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (capt); Dave Ewers, Reuben Crothers, David McCann.
Replacements: John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Harry Sheridan, Lorcan McLoughlin, John Cooney, Billy Burns, Michael Lowry.
