Rob Herring starts for Ulster, while JJ Hanrahan set for Connacht return away to Cardiff

Ireland international Rob Herring returns for Ulster on Friday night, one of five changes to Richie Murphy's side as they look to keep their slim hopes of reaching the Investec Champions Cup knockout stage alive.

The province need a bonus-point win at home to the Exeter Chiefs if the are to stand any change of qualifying for the Round of 16, while a win of any kind would guarantee them a place in the Challenge Cup.

Herring missed the last two games due to injury, but the hooker comes into the starting side in place of John Andrew, while Eric O'Sullivan is also drafted into the front row at loosehead prop, with Scott Wilson retained at tighthead.

Captain Iain Henderson starts at second row, where he is joined by fellow Ireland international Cormac Izuchukwu.

Murphy has also retained his back row from last week's defeat to Leicester. James McNabney starts at flanker, having been called up as a development player to the Ireland Six Nations squad, while Nick Timoney and David McCann continue in the side.

Nathan Doak is picked at scrum-half, while Jack Murphy comes in for Aidan Morgan at out-half, making his first Champions Cup start.

Ben Carson and Jude Postlethwaite start in the centre for the third game in a row, while Stewart Moore returns at full-back, replacing Ethan McIlroy who picked up a serious knee injury last week.

Mike Lowry comes in for Zac Ward on the left wing, with Werner Kok continuing in the 14 shirt.

On the bench, there's a return for winger Rob Lyttle, who has agreed a short-term deal to return to the province.

The 27-year-old previously played 64 times for his native province before departing in the summer of 2023, and has been drafted in as injury cover after impressing with Banbridge in Division 2A of the