URC teams: Nathan Doak at 10 for Ulster as Connacht ring changes

Nathan Doak starts at out-half for Ulster in Friday's BKT United Rugby Championship against Connacht, who have made 12 changes as they chase a seventh win in nine games.

Doak helped Ulster mount a second-half comeback in last weekend's loss to La Rochelle and he continues to deputise for Billy Burns, who is following return-to-play protocols after suffering a concussion.

Doak scored one of Ulster’s five tries in their 36-10 win over Connacht in September’s season opener and his promotion to the starting line-up is the only change to the backline that started against La Rochelle.

David McCann and Marcus Rea come into the pack with captain Iain Henderson moving to the second row to partner Alan O’Connor, while Nick Timoney shifts to No 8 after Duane Vermeulen was not named in the matchday 23.

While Ulster have lost their last three matches, Connacht are on a three-game winning run and welcome back their frontline players for their fifth interprovincial derby of the season.

Only Bundee Aki, Shane Delahunt and Oisín Dowling are retained from the team that beat Brive in the Challenge Cup.

Captain Jack Carty forms a half-back partnership with Caolin Blade while Aki shifts to inside centre to accommodate Tom Farrell’s inclusion in the midfield.

Ireland international Mack Hansen returns on the wing after recovering from a leg injury, forming a back three with Tiernan O’Halloran and John Porch.

Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham pack down alongside Delahunt in the front row, Josh Murphy and Niall Murray are named at lock, while Conor Oliver and Cian Prendergast come into the back row.

Connacht director of rugby Andy Friend said: "We all realise the importance of Friday’s game in our aims for a top-eight finish this season.

"We have a number