Much-changed Ulster side named for visit of Cardiff

Ulster have made nine changes to their side ahead of tomorrow's BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with Cardiff in Belfast.

Richie Murphy's hand has been forced for several of those changes, with Iain Henderson, Steven Kitshoff, Rob Herring, Nick Timoney and Stewart Moore all ruled out due to injury following last week's heavy 53-14 defeat to Clermont Auvergne in the Challenge Cup.

As well as the nine personnel changes, Murphy has also made a number of positional switches for his first home game in charge, most notably in the case of Nathan Doak, who moves from out-half to scrum-half.

Jake Flannery comes in at 10 to replace John Cooney, while Stuart McCloskey is rested in the centre, as Jude Postlethwaite gets a start in midfield alongside James Hume.

Mike Lowry moves from the left wing to the right, with Jacob Stockdale coming into the back three for Robert Baloucoune, while Will Addison replaces Moore at full-back.

Eric O'Sullivan, Tom Stewart and Scott Wilson start in an all-new front row, as Tom O'Toole drops to the bench.

Alan O'Connor retains his place in the second row and captains the side, while he's joined in the engine room by academy man Harry Sheridan, who moves up from the back row.

With Timoney out, David McCann shifts from flanker to number 8, while Dave Ewers and Marcus Rea complete the pack.

Ulster: Will Addison; Mike Lowry, James Hume, Jude Postlethwaite, Jacob Stockdale; Jake Flannery, Nathan Doak; Eric O'Sullivan, Tom Stewart, Scott Wilson; Harry Sheridan, Alan O’Connor; Dave Ewers, Marcus Rea, Dave McCann.

Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Tom O’Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, Greg Jones, John Cooney, Billy Burns, Ethan McIlroy.

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