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Team-Sheet

Van der Merwe set for first Ulster start as McCloskey returns for date with Dragons

Rory Best will take a place on the bench alongside the returning Chris Henry.

SOUTH AFRICAN LOOSEHEAD Schalk van der Merwe and academy back row Greg Jones will make make his first start for Ulster in the Pro14 clash with the Dragons in Rodney Parade tomorrow (kick-off 19.35).

A week on from sneaking a win at home to Treviso director of rugby Les Kiss will hope the return of international talent can boost his squad against Bernard Jackman’s side.

Ireland captain Rory Best is among the replacements leaving Sean Reidy as a senior figure in the pack in a back row alongside Jones and Nick Timoney.

Stuart McCloskey also returns fresh from Ireland duty having won his second cap against Fiji, he partners Tommy Bowe in midfield with Christian Lealiifano reverting to out-half.

Stuart McCloskey with Levani Botia Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Chris Henry returns from a collarbone injury to take a place on the bench alongside Best, Andrew Trimble and John Cooney.

Ulster (v Dragons)

15. Charles Piutau
14. Craig Gilroy
13. Tommy Bowe
12. Stuart McCloskey
11. Louis Ludik
10. Christian Lealiifano
9. Paul Marshall

1. Schalk van der Merwe
2. John Andrew
3. Ross Kane
4. Alan O’Connor
5. Kieran Treadwell
6. Greg Jones
7. Sean Reidy
8. Nick Timoney

Replacements

16.  Rory Best
17. Callum Black
18. Andy Warwick
19. Matthew Dalton
20. Chris Henry
21. John Cooney
22. Peter Nelson
23. Andrew Trimble

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