TOMMY BOWE WILL play his first match of the season for Ulster after returning from a knee injury sustained while on Ireland duty at last year’s Rugby World Cup.
The winger will not be joined by his international team-mate Andrew Trimble, however, with the 31-year-old sitting out the trip due to illness.
Instead, Bowe will form a back three with Craig Gilroy and Jared Payne while Stuart Olding comes into the midfield alongside Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey missing out through shoulder injury.
Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Jackson continue their half-back partnership.
In the forwards, Callum Black, Rory Best and Ricky Lutton form the front row while Pete Browne joins Franco van der Merwe — winning his 50th cap for the province — in the second.
Sean Reidy, Iain Henderson and Roger Wilson are the back-row trio as Nick Williams continues to be ruled out by a shoulder injury.
Rob Herring, Kyle McCall, Andy Warwick, Robbie Diack, Chris Henry, Paul Marshall, Darren Cave and Rory Scholes are named on a strong bench.
Kick off at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi is at 4pm tomorrow.
Ulster XV to face Zebre
15. Jared Payne
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Luke Marshall
12. Stuart Olding
11. Craig Gilroy
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Ruan Pienaar
1. Callum Black
2. Rory Best
3. Ricky Lutton
4. Pete Browne
5. Franco van der Merwe
6. Iain Henderson
7. Sean Reidy
8. Roger Wilson
Replacements
16. Rob Herring
17. Kyle McCall
18. Andy Warwick
19. Robbie Diack
20. Chris Henry
21. Paul Marshall
22. Darren Cave
23. Rory Scholes
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