Ulster make 3 changes for trip to Munster

Ulster's Director of Rugby Les Kiss has named the Ulster team that will travel to Thomond Park to take on Munster in Round 20 of the Guinness PRO12 on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3.00pm).

Kiss' starting XV shows just three changes from last Friday's draw with Cardiff as his side aims to continue the run of seven games unbeaten and push towards a spot in the championship playoffs.

There are two changes in the back three as Jacob Stockdale, Ulster's top try scorer in the PRO12 this season, comes in at full-back to replace the injured Jared Payne. Andrew Trimble, who made his return from a hand injury in a second-half appearance last weekend, is preferred to fellow Ireland international Craig Gilroy on the right wing with Charles Piutau retaining the number 11 jersey.

Stuart Olding and Luke Marshall will continue their centre partnership, while Stuart McCloskey will provide strong midfield cover from the bench as he is in line to make his first senior appearance since the home win over Edinburgh, having fully recovered from a calf injury.

Paddy Jackson, who contributed a try and four successful kicks at goal against Cardiff, once again pairs up with Ruan Pienaar at half-back.

Chris Henry is the sole change in the pack as he comes in at openside flanker, with Sean Reidy shifting to number 8 and Iain Henderson continuing at blindside.

The front five remains unchanged as props Andy Warwick and Wiehahn Herbst accompany Rory Best in the front row, with Kieran Treadwell and Alan O'Connor once again selected in the engine room.

Paul Marshall and Craig Gilroy are the backline options among the replacements with McCloskey, while Rob Herring, Callum Black, Rodney Ah You, Robbie Diack and Clive Ross will provide the forward cover.

Teams

Ulster team & replacements to play Munster, Guinness PRO12, Saturday 15th February, Thomond Park (3.00pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports):

(15-9): J Stockdale, A Trimble (Capt), L Marshall, S Olding, C Piutau, P Jackson, R Pienaar;

(1-8): A Warwick, R Best, W Herbst, K Treadwell, A O'Connor, I Henderson, C Henry, S Reidy;

Replacements (16-23): R Herring, C Black, R Ah You, R Diack, C Ross, P Marshall, S McCloskey, C Gilroy.