URC team news: Harry Byrne makes first Leinster start of season

Robert Baloucoune will make his 50th appearance for Ulster when they visit Benetton on Saturday.

The Ireland wing, who made a try-scoring return from injury in the New Year's Day defeat to Munster, forms an all-international back three with Mike Lowry and Jacob Stockdale.

The last-gasp loss to Munster was Ulster’s fourth defeat in five matches and head coach Dan McFarland has made five changes for the trip to Treviso.

Lowry replaces Stewart Moore at full-back in the only backline alteration, while Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring and Jeff Toomaga-Allen form a new-look front row.

Skipper Iain Henderson is partnered by fellow Ireland lock Kieran Treadwell in the second row, with Nick Timoney preferred to Duane Vermeulen at No 8.

With tighthead prop Marty Moore facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, Ulster have named two looseheads on the bench in Rory Sutherland and Andy Warwick.

Ulster: Mike Lowry; Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Billy Burns, John Cooney; Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, Jeff Toomaga-Allen; Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (capt); Greg Jones, Sean Reffell, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Rory Sutherland, Andy Warwick, Alan O’Connor, Duane Vermeulen, Nathan Doak, Stewart Moore, Ethan McIlroy.

Connacht welcome back Ireland internationals Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen for their crucial game against the Cell C Sharks, in a game that's live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

Bealham, Hansen and Josh Murphy are restored to the starting line-up after recovering from illness but Bundee Aki is not included in the match-day 23.

Andy Friend makes nine changes to the team that lost to Leinster on New Year's Day with Kieran Marmion coming in to partner captain Jack Carty at