Ulster will welcome back centre James Hume and hooker Rob Herring for their United Rugby Championship clash against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday, as both players make their first appearances of the season after injury layoffs. The match kicks off at 12:45 GMT, with Ulster seeking their first league win of the campaign after two losses and two draws in their opening four games.
Ulster team news
Head coach Richie Murphy is without eight players who are on international duty with Ireland for the upcoming Nations Championship, while winger Robert Baloucoune is also unavailable. Flanker David McCann captains the side, and former Stormers forward Juarno Augustus starts at number eight. The starting XV includes: McIlroy; Lowry, Hume, Carson, Ward; Murphy, Devine; O'Sullivan, Herring, Knox, Donnell, Snyman, Izuchukwu, McCann (capt), Augustus.
Leinster ring changes for Connacht derby
After beating Munster in Dublin last week, Leinster travel to face Connacht on Friday night (19:45 GMT) with a heavily rotated squad. Fly-half Joey Carbery is the only player retained from the starting lineup at the Aviva Stadium. Max Deegan captains the side from the back row, while Jordan Larmour returns from injury on the wing and centre Connor Fahy makes his provincial debut. Prop Alex Mullan could also debut off the bench. Connacht have made 12 changes from their win over Zebre, retaining only captain Paul Boyle, prop Finlay Bealham and centre Cathal Forde due to international call-ups.
Munster hand debut to Rob Russell
Munster host the Sharks on Saturday (17:30 GMT) with seven changes to the side. Former Leinster winger Rob Russell makes his Munster debut in place of the injured Shane Daly, and centre Gordon Wood earns his first provincial start. Ben O'Donovan replaces Craig Casey at scrum-half, while JJ Hanrahan comes in at fly-half for Charlie O'Shea. Edwin Edogbo and Lee Barron are set for their first appearances of the season from the bench. Only Tadhg Beirne and Craig Casey are away on international duty.
