Ulster v Munster, Friday 28th October, Kingspan Stadium (kick-off 7.05pm)
Dan Tuohy and Wiehahn Herbst have returned from long-term injuries and will make their first senior appearances of the season for Ulster in their Pro12 clash with Munster, having not featured since December 2015 and January 2016 respectively.
The duo are two of five new faces to the forward pack, with a further three personnel changes made to the backline for the crucial Guinness Pro12 encounter.
Herbst is part of a front row that also includes captain Rob Herring and loosehead prop Callum Black.
Tuohy will join Franco van der Merwe in the second row, while Robbie Diack also returns to the starting team; he is picked alongside Sean Reidy and Roger Wilson in the back row.
Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Jackson are retained in the half-back positions, with Darren Cave joining Luke Marshall in midfield. Tommy Bowe and Craig Gilroy have been elevated from the bench to starting berths on the wing, so last week’s Man of the Match Charles Piutau switches to fullback.
Conor Joyce could make his first appearance for the province in over two years after being named among the replacements. The 23-year-old back row’s last outing was the memorable 17-19 win over Munster at Thomond Park in May 2014.
John Andrew, Kyle McCall, Andy Warwick and Clive Ross will provide additional cover for the forwards, with Paul Marshall, Brett Herron and Jacob Stockdale included in the match day squad as backline options.
After sustaining a hip flexor injury, Stuart Olding is likely to be out of action for at least two matches. As expected, Iain Henderson will also miss this weekend’s action. Iain has shown improvement this week following a shoulder injury picked up against Exeter and he will be continue to be assessed on a weekly basis.
Ulster: C Piutau; T Bowe, L Marshall, D Cave, C Gilroy, P Jackson, R Pienaar; C Black, R Herring (capt), W Herbst, D Tuohy, F van der Merwe, R Diack, S Reidy, R Wilson.
Replacements: J Andrew, K McCall, A Warwick, C Ross, C Joyce, P Marshall, B Herron, J Stockdale.
