Champions Cup: Ulster name starting side for must-win Sale clash

Ulster have named their starting XV for tomorrow night's crucial Champions Cup clash against Sale Sharks at the Kingspan.

In the absence of Iain Henderson, lock Alan O’Connor will lead the Ulster men, with Wallaby Sam Carter getting the nod alongside him in the engine room.

Academy prospect Harry Sheridan, who impressed in his senior debut off the bench in La Rochelle last weekend, is rewarded with a start at blindside flanker. Sheridan can lean on the experience of Irish international Nick Timoney and Springbok star Duane Vermeulen, who join him in the back row.

Packing down in the front row are Andy Warwick, hooker Tom Stewart and Jeff Toomaga-Allen.

Behind the pack, Nathan Doak retains the number 9 jersey, with Billy Burns returning at fly-half.

The in-form Stuart McCloskey makes a return at inside centre, with James Hume also available to restore a familiar midfield partnership.

The back three remains unchanged with Jacob Stockdale – one of the five Ulster players named in the Ireland Six Nations squad earlier this week – on the left wing, Rob Lyttle on the right, and Mike Lowry patrolling the backfield.

McFarland can call upon a wealth of experience from the Ulster bench, with seven Ireland internationals ready and waiting. Rob Herring, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell and Jordi Murphy will cover the forwards, with John Cooney, Ian Madigan and Ben Moxham providing the backline options.

TEAM NEWS

ULSTER: Michael Lowry, Rob Lyttle, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;

Andy Warwick, Tom Stewart, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Alan O’Connor (Capt), Sam Carter, Harry Sheridan, Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Jordi Murphy, John Cooney, Ian Madigan, Ben Moxham.