Johnston to make Ulster debut in Bloemfontein

New Ulster signing Bill Johnston will make his competitive Ulster debut this Saturday against the Toyota Cheetahs in Round 2 of the Guinness PRO14 Championship (kick-off 5.15pm UK/Irish time, Toyota Stadium). Johnston is the sole change to the Ulster squad that opened the 2019/20 season with a bonus point home win over Ospreys last Friday night. The 22-year-old fly-half will partner John Cooney at half-back, with the pairing of James Hume and Luke Marshall continuing in midfield. Craig Gilroy, who marked his return to playing action last week with a brace of tries, retains his right wing berth, with Rob Lyttle on the left. Matt Faddes, another summer signing who touched down on his debut against Ospreys, is once again named at fullback. The pack remains unchanged with hooker Rob Herring captaining the side alongside Jack McGrath and Tom O’Toole in the front row. Sam Carter and Kieran Treadwell continue in the second row, with Matthew Rea, Sean Reidy and Greg Jones selected as the loose forward trio. On the bench, John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Ross Kane, Alan O’Connor and Clive Ross will provide the forwards backup, with David Shanahan, Michael Lowry and Louis Ludik covering the backline options. Ulster team to play Toyota Cheetahs, Guinness PRO14 Round 2, Saturday 5 October 2019 at Toyota Stadium (kick-off 6.15pm local time / 5.15pm UK/Irish time): (15-9): Matt Faddes; Craig Gilroy, Luke Marshall, James Hume, Rob Lyttle; Bill Johnston, John Cooney; (1-8): Jack McGrath, Rob Herring (Capt), Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Sam Carter, Matthew Rea, Sean Reidy, Greg Jones. Replacements: John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Ross Kane, Alan O’Connor, Clive Ross, David Shanahan, Michael Lowry, Louis Ludik.