Rugby: Three in line for Ulster debuts against Lions

Three players will make their competitive devbuts for Ulster in tomorrow's URC clash against the Bulls in Pretoria.

Hooker James McCormick, and centre Ben Carson are given the nod for their first starts, with academy lock Charlie Irvine in line for his Ulster debut, starting in the second row alongside captain Iain Henderson.

Joining McCormick in the front row is loosehead prop, Andrew Warwick, and tighthead Corrie Barrett who scored his first try in an Ulster shirt last weekend against Emirates Lions.

The back row features James McNabney at blindside flanker with Sean Reffell starting on the openside and David McCann coming in at eight.

The half-back partnership sees Nathan Doak start at scrum-half alongside fly-half Aidan Morgan who last weekend made it two tries in his opening two appearances for the province.

Jacob Stockdale starts on the left wing, with Werner Kok on the right. Kok also scored his first try for the province in last weekend's match in Johannesburg.

Outside Centre Stewart Moore joins Carson at twelve to form the midfield partnership, while Mike Lowry completes the starting XV at full-back.

Murphy opts for a 5:3 split for the reinforcements on the bench.

Two replacements, hooker Tadgh McElroy and development fly-half James Humphreys are also in line to make their debuts for Ulster’s senior side.

Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor and Nick Timoney form the forward options from the bench, with Dave Shanahan and Ben Moxham providing the back options.

Ulster side to face Bulls at Lotus Versfeld Stadium, Saturday 5 October (3pm)

1-8: Andrew Warwick, James McCormick, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson (C), Charlie Irvine, James McNabney, Sean Reffell, David McCann

15-9: Mike Lowry, Werner Kok, Stewart Moore, Ben Carson, Jacob Stockdale, Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak;

Replacements: Tadgh McElroy, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Nick Timoney, Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Ben Moxham.