Head Coach Richie Murphy has named his Ulster Rugby matchday squad to face Vodacom Bulls this Saturday in Round 4 of the URC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. (KO: 12.45pm)
The squad features eight players named in the upcoming Ireland Nations Championship squad next month.
In the front row, Tom O’Toole starts at loosehead prop alongside hooker Tom Stewart and Keynan Knox at tighthead prop.
In the second row, Ben Donnell starts alongside Cormac Izuchukwu.
David McCann and Nick Timoney are the starting flankers, with South African number eight Juarno Augustus starting after his Player of the Match performance in the province’s bonus-point victory over Zebre Parma last weekend.
Scrum-half Nathan Doak retains his position, while Jack Murphy partners him at fly-half.
Ireland international centre, Stuart McCloskey, starts at twelve, with Jamie Benson wearing the thirteen jersey.
In the back three, Michael Lowry starts on the left wing, with Chay Mullins on the right wing. Ireland international back, Jacob Stockdale, continues at full-back.
Murphy opts for a 6:2 split among the replacements, with Henry Walker, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Eli Snyman, James McNabney and James McKillop providing the forward reinforcements.
Matthew Devine and Jake Flannery are the backline cover.
Vodacom Bulls v Ulster Rugby, Saturday 24th October, 12.45pm, BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 4, Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Live on Premier Sports, URC.tv )
(Ulster appearances in brackets)
1. Tom O’Toole (144)
2. Tom Stewart (C) (79)
3. Keynan Knox (4)
4. Ben Donnell (3)
5. Cormac Izuchukwu (58)
6. David McCann (94)
7. Nick Timoney (185)
8. Juarno Augustus (20)
9. Nathan Doak (113)
10. Jack Murphy (39)
11. Michael Lowry (138)
12. Stuart McCloskey (218)
13. Jamie Benson (4)
14. Chay Mullins (1)
15. Jacob Stockdale (151)
Replacements:
16. Henry Walker (4)
17. Eric O’Sullivan (142)
18. Scott Wilson (58)
19. Eli Snyman (3)
20. James McNabney (23)
21. Matthew Devine (4)
22. Jake Flannery (44)
23. James McKillop (4)