JARED PAYNE RETURNS to the Ulster match-day 23 as Less Kiss names a strong side for their Guinness Pro12 clash with Zebre at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi this Sunday (Sky Sports, kick-off 12.30pm).
Payne has recovered from a kidney injury picked up while on Ireland duty last November and takes his place along the replacements where he’s joined by David Busby, who could be in line to make his senior debut.
In all, Kiss has made nine changes to the starting XV that recorded a bonus point win over Glasgow at home last weekend with six of those changes coming up front.
Rob Herring will captain the side from hooker and will make up the front row along with Andy Warwick and Wiehahn Herbst. Robbie Diack and Alan O’Connor are paired together as the starting locks for the first time.
Clive Ross is picked at blindside flanker and will be joined in the back row by Chris Henry and Marcell Coetzee.
Jacob Stockdale — a double try scorer against Glasgow — will line out at fullback while Tommy Bowe will win his 150th cap from the right wing.
Charles Piutau has recovered from injury to man the opposite wing while Stuart Olding will partner Luke Marshall in midfield.
In the half-backs, Ruan Pienaar and Pete Nelson will continue their partnership.
Ulster (v Zebre)
15. Jacob Stockdale
14. Tommy Bowe
13. Luke Marshall
12. Stuart Olding
11. Charles Piutau
10. Pete Nelson
9. Ruan Pienaar
1. Andy Warwick
2. Rob Herring (captain)
3. Wiehahn Herbst
4. Robbie Diack
5. Alan O’Connor
6. Clive Ross
7. Chris Henry
8. Marcell Coetzee
Replacements:
16. John Andrew
17. Callum Black
18. Ricky Lutton
19. Kieran Treadwell
20. Sean Reidy
21. Paul Marshall
22. Jared Payne
23. David Busby
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