Ulster will look to continue their unbeaten run at home against Emirates Lions on Friday evening.
Club captain Iain Henderson, returns to the starting line-up for the first time this season. Henderson represented Ireland in the Rugby World Cup.
After wins against Vodacom Bulls and Munster at Kingspan Stadium, Ulster are in fourth position in the BKT URC table.
Joining him in the second row, Alan O’Connor, returns to the side after last featuring against Connacht in Round three.
Andrew Warwick starts at loosehead prop in a new look front row. Indeed, Ulster record appearance-holding hooker Rob Herring joins Warwick. Last week’s debutant, Scott Wilson starts at tighthead.
In the back row Dave Ewers, starts on the blindside and is joined by openside flanker, Reuben Crothers. David McCann retains his place at number eight, after another Player of the Match performance against Munster last week. Meanwhile, in the half-back partnership scrum-half Nathan Doak, is joined by Jake Flannery at 10.
Whereas, Ireland international, Stuart McCloskey, retains his place at inside centre and is partnered by James Hume, who returns after a combative performance against Connacht.
Jacob Stockdale starts on the left wing. Meanwhile, Rob Baloucoune starts on the right wing with the versatile back, Stewart Moore, starts at full-back to complete the backfield.
On the bench, Dan McFarland welcomes back tighthead prop, Marty Moore, who has been out since January. John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Harry Sheridan, John Cooney, Billy Burns and Mike Lowry complete the replacements.
Ulster: Stewart Moore, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Jake Flannery, Nathan Doak, Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (C), Dave Ewers, Reuben Crothers, David McCann.
Replacements: John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Harry Sheridan, Lorcan McLoughlin, John Cooney, Billy Burns, Mike Lowry.
Ulster v Emirates Lions
Round 5 BKT United Rugby Championship
Kingspan Stadium, Kick-off: 7:35pm
