Champions Cup: Two changes for Ulster as must-win clash looms large

Ulster have made two changes to their starting line-up for tomorrow's must-win Champions Cup clash away to Harlequins.

David McCann returns from injury to take his place in the back row, while Matty Rea also comes in. Both Dave Ewers and Sean Refell, who picked up injuries in the defeat to Toulouse, are out, while Rob Herring remains absent due to his elbow injury.

The six Ulster men named in Ireland Head Coach, Andy Farrell’s Six Nations squad all start in the pivotal final pool group fixture.

Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Nick Timoney, Jacob Stockdale and Stuart McCloskey will aim to sign off from provincial duties with a win before they head-off for international training camp next week.

The front row remains unchanged from the Toulouse loss.

Double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok Steven Kitshoff packs down alongside hooker Tom Stewart, and tighthead prop Tom O’Toole. Kieran Treadwell and club captain, Iain Henderson, form the second row.

The back row sees two changes, as Matty Rea starts on the blindside alongside openside flanker McCann, who returns to the team after recovering from an ankle injury. In-form back rower, Nick Timoney, retains his position at eight.

John Cooney and Billy Burns form the experienced and reliable half-back partnership.

The back five sees the explosive Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune on the left and right wing respectively. Stuart McCloskey is joined by outside centre, James Hume, in the engine room of the backfield, with Mike Lowry completing the starting XV at fullback.

In a strong bench, Dan McFarland opts for a 5:3 split with John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Marty Moore, Harry Sheridan, Marcus Rea, Nathan Doak, Luke Marshall and Will Addison as replacements.

Ulster side v Harlequins, Saturday January 20th (1pm)

(15-9): Mike Lowry, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney;

(1-8): Steven Kitshoff, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (C), Matty Rea, David McCann, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Marty Moore, Harry Sheridan, Marcus Rea, Nathan Doak, Luke Marshall, Will Addison.