Rugby:New Ulster coach Mark Anscombe has given Niall O'Connor the number 10 jersey at Ravenhill for the first time since his short term spell in Galway last season and will be looking to take charge of a young and energetic backline against the Leicester Tigers at Ravenhill tomorrow (2.30).
Luke Marshall and Chris Farrell form a new centre partnership which promises to add creative opportunities for speedsters Craig Gilroy and Michael Allen on the wings. Meanwhile Jared Payne looks forward to making an impact at fullback after a successful return from a long term injury in Bayonne last week.
New Zealander and former Munster number eight Nick Williams is named in the Ulster team for the first time Declan Fitzpatrick will pack down in the front row, along side Nigel Brady and Callum Black.
It will be Fitzpatrick’s first match for Ulster since making his debut for Ireland in June against New Zealand and he will be keen to put in a good performance and stay on the radar of the Irish selectors ahead of the November tests.
Ulster:
J Payne; C Gilroy, C Farrell, L Marshall, M Allen; N O’Connor, M Heaney; C Black, N Brady, D Fitzpatrick; J Muller (capt), L Stevenson; R Diack, A Birch, N Williams.
Replacements:
R Lutton, R Herring, N Annett, J Afoa, A Macklin, N McComb, M McComish, S Doyle, B McIlroy, P Jackson, C Cochrane, S Olding, R Andrews, P Nelson.
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