As he prepares to depart on the Rising Eire tour to South Africa later this month, Nathan Doak will begin Ulster’s first URC recreation of the season towards Connacht at Ravenhill.
Head coach Dan McFarland confirmed through the week that John Cooney is presently hampered by damage, though added that he didn't anticipate the previous Connacht and Leinster man to be on the sidelines for lengthy.
Whereas these concerned in Eire’s tour of New Zealand are nonetheless absent – except for Stuart McCloskey, who was a later arrival on that escapade – a aspect comprising a comparatively inexperienced core boasts actual seniority among the many back-line.
With Luke Marshall becoming a member of McCloskey within the centre, Jacob Stockdale and Robert Baloucoune begin collectively for the primary time because the former was injured within the first week of final season 12 months in the past.
Billy Burns will characteristic at out-half, whereas Stewart Moore will get the nod at full-back having concluded final season within the 15 jersey regardless of taking part in the overwhelming majority of his rugby at inside centre.
Younger hooker Tom Stewart, who like Doak and Moore shall be away with Rising Eire, begins within the absence of Rob Herring, packing down in between Eric O’Sullivan and a fit-again Marty Moore.
Alan O’Connor skippers the aspect from the second-row, teaming up within the engine room with Sam Carter. Cormac Izuchukwu will present back-up from the bench.
Nick Timoney and Duane Vermeulen are absent owing to differing worldwide commitments this summer season, with the Rea brothers Marcus and Matty performing on the flanks. David McCann will get his first begin since December at quantity eight.
Whereas there are not any debutants among the many beginning aspect, one-time All Black Jeff Toomaga-Allen will make his Ulster bow from the bench after he was named as tight-head cowl.