Rugby: McKee set for Ulster start as Murphy makes six changes

Scrum-half Conor McKee will make his first Senior start for Ulster in tomorrow's URC clash at home to Scarlets.

McKee is one of six changes made by Head Coach Richie Murphy for the must-win match at the Kingspan.

He replaces Nathan Doak, who drops to the bench, while Jack Murphy comes in for Aidan Morgan. There are two changes in the front row from the last outing in Treviso two weeks ago, with Callum Reid returning from injury to start at loosehead prop and Scott Wilson starting at tighthead, joining Rob Herring at hooker.

Alan O’Connor retains his position in the second row and captains the side alongside Matthew Dalton, who makes his first senior start since rejoining his boyhood province earlier in the season.

James McNabney is the only change to the back row, starting at number eight for the first time since being involved in the Ireland Six Nations training squad. Matty Rea gets the nod at blindside flanker and Nick Timoney starts again on the openside.

A youthful half-back partnership sees Academy fly-half Murphy named alongside McKee, while the Ireland international duo of Stuart McCloskey and James Hume provide plenty of experience in the Ulster midfield.

In the back three, Jacob Stockdale starts on the left wing, with Michael Lowry taking up the right wing position, and Stewart Moore selected at full-back.

In the replacements, loosehead Sam Crean is in line for his Ulster debut after joining the province on loan from Premiership side Saracens earlier this week.

He's joined by John Andrew, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell and David McCann as the forward options. Doak, Jake Flannery and Jude Postlethwaite are included as the backline replacements.

Ulster team to play Scarlets, URC, Kingspan Stadium, Saturday March 1st (5.15pm)

1-8: Callum Reid, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson, Alan O’Connor (C), Matthew Dalton, Matty Rea, Nick Timoney, James McNabney

9-15: Conor McKee, Jack Murphy, Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey, James Hume, Michael Lowry, Stewart Moore

Replacements: John Andrew, Sam Crean, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, David McCann, Nathan Doak, Jake Flannery, Jude Postlethwaite