The team features five players who were named in the Ireland squad for next month’s Autumn Nations Series, with Iain Henderson, Tom O'Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney and Stuart McCloskey all starting before they head off for international duty next week.
Iain Henderson, captains the side, alongside Kieran Treadwell in the second row.
The front row remains unchanged from last weekend’s win against Ospreys, as Eric O’Sullivan is joined by hooker, James McCormick, and tighthead prop, Tom O’Toole.
Hoping for his first Ireland cap next month, Cormac Izuchukwu, starts again at blindside flanker, with Nick Timoney back in the starting side at openside flanker.
David McCann retains his position at eight.
In the half-back partnership, Nathan Doak starts at scrum-half alongside Aidan Morgan at fly-half.
Mike Lowry starts on the left wing and on the right flank, Werner Kok starts in the 14 jersey.
Stuart McCloskey starts at inside centre, alongside Jude Postlethwaite at outside centre to form the midfield pairing.
Ethan McIlroy completes the starting XV at full-back.
Murphy goes for a 5:3 split on the replacements bench, with John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan and Marcus Rea providing the forward replacements.
John Cooney, Ben Carson and Ben Moxham form the back options.
Cardiff v Ulster, Saturday 26 October, 7.35pm, Cardiff Arms Park, BKT United Rugby Championship Round 6 (Live on Premier Sports, URC.tv)
(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, James McCormick, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson (C), Kieran Treadwell, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, David McCann;
(15-9) Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, Jude Postlethwaite, Stuart McCloskey, Mike Lowry, Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak.
Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Marcus Rea, John Cooney, Ben Carson, Ben Moxham.
Our opposition
Y Tîm | The Team 🆚 @UlsterRugby
— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) October 25, 2024
©️ Ben Thomas
6⃣ Changes to starting XV
🏴 Six Autumn Nations Series selections in squad#AlwaysCardiff 🔵⚫️ pic.twitter.com/F7K8Hzub1H