In the first of two matches in South Africa over the next two weekends, Ulster hope to carry on from where they left off before the break, after a bonus-point victory at home to Dragons RFC.
Skipper Iain Henderson captains the side upon his return from Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations campaign, as he lines-up alongside fellow lock, Kieran Treadwell, who starts for the first time since sustaining a rib injury against Harlequins RFC in January.
Murphy selects a strong front row that sees Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff pack down alongside hooker, Tom Stewart, and tighthead prop, Tom O’Toole.
The exciting back row sees Harry Sheridan start at blindside flanker, with David McCann starting on the openside. Nick Timoney starts at eight.
John Cooney and Billy Burns form the half back partnership.
Mike Lowry and Ethan McIlroy start on the left and right wings respectively.
Stuart McCloskey returns to the team’s starting line-up after his Ireland duties as he pairs up with James Hume, who captained his province over the win against Dragons RFC.
Will Addison completes the starting XV at full-back.
Murphy opts for a strong bench with a 6:2 split.
John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Scott Wilson, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea and Sean Reffell provide forwards options, while Nathan Doak, Jude Postlethwaite cover back options.
Ulster v Hollywoodbets Sharks, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Round 12, BKT United Rugby Championship, Saturday 23 March, KO 1pm UK/Ireland time (Live on Viaplay, URC.tv, BBC Radio Ulster).
(15-9) Will Addison, Ethan McIlroy, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Mike Lowry, Billy Burns, John Cooney;
(1-8) Steven Kitshoff, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (C), Harry Sheridan, David McCann, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Scott Wilson, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea, Nathan Doak, Jude Postlethwaite, Sean Reffell.