Cave chasing Trimble for all-time record of Ulster appearances
He will partner Stuart McCloskey in midfield for visit of Zebre
Ulster have named their starting line-up for tomorrow’s crucial PRO14 game with Zebre at the Kingspan.
Darren Cave will earn his 222nd cap to move him to second in the side's all-time appearance list - just seven short of Andrew Trimble's record.
Flanker Nick Timoney says every match is now a must-win.
“We cannot really afford to lose any more of your home games especially the ones we have for the rest of the season,” he said.
Cave is joined in midfield by Stuart McCloskey who marked a milestone last week against Ospreys with a Man of the Match performance in his 100th provincial game.
There is a new half-back partnership with Dave Shanahan and Peter Nelson named at scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively. Robert Baloucoune has returned from injury and will line out on the right wing, with Rob Lyttle picked on the opposite flank and Louis Ludik moving to fullback.
The front row of Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring and Marty Moore is unchanged from last week’s win in Bridgend, while Kieran Treadwell comes into the second row alongside captain Alan O’Connor. Sean Reidy will start in the 7 jersey and is joined in the back row by Clive Ross and Nick Timoney.
Ulster team to play Zebre, Guinness PRO14, Saturday 23rd February, Kingspan Stadium (7.35pm):
(15-9): L Ludik; R Baloucoune, D Cave, S McCloskey, R Lyttle; P Nelson, D Shanahan;
(1-8): E O’Sullivan, R Herring, M Moore, A O’Connor (captain), K Treadwell, C Ross, S Reidy, N Timoney;
Replacements (16-23): J Andrew, A Warwick, R Kane, I Nagle, G Jones, J Stewart, J McPhillips, J Hume