ULSTER’S FIRST-EVER competitive fixture in South Africa will be a landmark one for Craig Gilroy as he makes his 150th appearance for the province [KO 1pm, BBC NI].
Saturday’s Pro14 clash against the Southern Kings at the Wolfson Stadium will be Gilroy’s first game of the season after recovering from a back injury he sustained during pre-season.
The Ireland international winger is included in a backline containing no shortage of experience and attacking flair with Charles Piutau, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble and Christian Leallifano all named to start.
John Cooney has shaken off injury to renew his half-back partnership with Leallifano as Ulster look to get back on track following two damaging defeats to La Rochelle and Leinster.
Overall, Les Kiss has made nine changes from that reversal to Leinster last time out with Luke Marshall, Rodney Ah You and Jean Deysel missing out through injury and Tommy Bowe dropping to the bench.
Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Rory Best, Rob Herring and Iain Henderson are all in Ireland camp but Kieran Treadwell was released and starts in the second row alongside Alan O’Connor.
Ulster:
15. Charles Piutau
14. Craig Gilroy
13. Louis Ludik
12. Darren Cave
11. Andrew Trimble
10. Christian Lealiifano
9. John Cooney
1. Andy Warwick
2. John Andrew
3. Wiehahn Herbst
4. Kieran Treadwell
5. Alan O’Connor
6. Matty Rea
7. Chris Henry (captain)
8. Sean Reidy.
Replacements:
16. Adam McBurney
17. Callum Black
18. Ross Kane
19. Robbie Diack
20. Clive Ross
21. Jonny Stewart
22. Peter Nelson
23. Tommy Bowe.
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