After starting the season off strongly with two wins from two against Zebre Parma and Vodacom Bulls, Ulster will be aiming to make it three on the bounce against a Connacht side who are similarly in fine form, after opening victories against Ospreys and Glasgow Warriors.
Lock, Alan O’Connor, who captains the team will be hoping to carry on the province’s good record in Galway, after winning there last December in the same competition.
Harry Sheridan joins Alan O’Connor in the second row, after the Development player made his first start of the season against Vodacom Bulls last Sunday in front of a home crowd at Kingspan Stadium.
In a changed front row, Eric O’Sullivan, returns to the team for the first time this season, with the Ulster Rugby Academy graduate starting at loosehead prop. Joining him in the pack is stalwart hooker, John Andrew, and tighthead prop, James French, who makes his first competitive start for Ulster after joining the club in the summer.
In the back row, Ballymena man, Matty Rea, starts alongside Development player, Reuben Crothers, who makes his first competitive appearance for his home province at openside flanker, after impressing the coaches in the extended pre-season.
The debutant has experience with Ballynahinch RFC in the AIL, and captained the Ireland Under 20s to a Grand Slam win in the 2022 U20 Six Nations tournament.
Ireland international, Nick Timoney, completes the back row, as he retains his place at eight following an impressive performance against Vodacom Bulls.
McFarland opts for a new partnership at nine and ten, with Dave Shanahan starting for the first time this season at scrum-half, and Jake Flannery getting the nod at fly-half. Flannery makes his second start of the season after his try-scoring appearance in Round 1 against Zebre Parma.
The versatile back, Ethan McIlroy, makes his first start this campaign, as starts on the left wing.
The centre partnership sees Academy products, Stewart Moore and James Hume, pair-up in the engine room of the back field.
Bangor speedster, Aaron Sexton, makes his first start of the season on Ulster’s right wing, with Will Addison retaining his place at full-back, as the Ireland international builds up consistent gametime following his long-term injury.
The province’s bench features a new face, as Academy lock, Joe Hopes, is named on the bench as he aims to earn his first cap for the province.
McFarland opts for a 5:3 split, as Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Greg McGrath, David McCann, Nathan Doak, Billy Burns and Ben Moxham complete the replacements.
Connacht v Ulster, Saturday 4 November, The Sportsground, 7.35pm, BKT United Rugby Championship (Live on TG4, Viaplay and URC.tv.
(15-9) Will Addison, Aaron Sexton, James Hume, Stewart Moore, Ethan McIlroy, Jake Flannery, Dave Shanahan;
(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, John Andrew, James French, Alan O’Connor (C), Harry Sheridan, Matty Rea, Reuben Crothers, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Greg McGrath, Joe Hopes, David McCann, Nathan Doak, Billy Burns, Ben Moxham.
Squad Unavailability list
Steven Kitshoff (RWC Recovery), Rob Herring (RWC – IRFU Player Management Programme), Tom O’Toole (RWC - IRFU Player Management Programme / Groin Surgery), Iain Henderson (RWC – IRFU Player Management Programme), Stuart McCloskey (RWC – IRFU Player Management Programme)
James McCormick (Shoulder), Marty Moore (Knee), Kieran Treadwell (Hip), Cormac Izuchukwu (Concussion), Dave Ewers (Concussion), Sean Reffell (Foot), Greg Jones (Shoulder), John Cooney (Calf), Angus Curtis (Concussion), Luke Marshall (Concussion), Rob Baloucoune (Hamstring), Jacob Stockdale (Ankle), Mike Lowry (Groin), Jude Postlethwaite (Hamstring)
Got your ticket for our first home interpro?
Ulster face Munster in an interprovincial face-off in Round 4 of the BKT United Rugby Championship on Friday 10 November at Kingspan Stadium. Don’t miss out on the crucial clash and get your tickets now via the link below.