Henderson returns as Ulster make four changes for Champions Cup opener
Bath v Ulster, Champions Cup, Saturday December 9 (3.15pm)
Iain Henderson returns from injury to captain Ulster in tomorrow's Champions Cup opener away to Bath.
Head Coach Dan McFarland makes four changes to the starting line-up from the side that lost in the URC at home to Edinburgh last weekend.
Dave Ewers, Nathan Doak and Stewart Moore also come in, with Kieran Treadwell, John Cooney and Matty Read dropping to the replacements. Will Addison missed out due to concussion.
Henderson returns to lead the side in Bath and is joined by Alan O’Connor in an experienced second row. The front row remains unchanged from last week’s defeat, as World Cup-winning Springbok prop, Steven Kitshoff, makes his European debut for the side. Hooker Tom Stewart and tighthead prop, Tom O’Toole, retain their places in the front pack.
Former Exeter Chiefs man Ewers returns to the starting line-up at blindside flanker. Nick Timoney starts on the openside, with Ulster Rugby Academy forward James McNabney, in at eight again as he makes his third start in succession.
Nathan Doak and Billy Burns form the half-back partnership, while the centre partnership of Stuart McCloskey and James Hume remains unchanged from last week.
Jacob Stockdale starts on the left wing, with Rob Baloucoune retaining his spot on the right. The Enniskillen man got off the mark with his first try of the season last week. Stewart Moore, starts at full-back to complete the back-field.
McFarland names a strong bench, with a mixture of experience and youth to select from, opting for a 5:3 split.
There's a welcome return for Ireland international Rob Herring, who is back in the matchday 23 after injury kept him out against Glasgow and Edinburgh. Jake Flannery and Mike Lowry also return to the squad following their injuries.
Andrew Warwick, Marty Moore, Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea and Cooney complete the replacements.
Ulster line-up v Bath
(15-9): Stewart Moore, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak
(1-8): Steven Kitshoff, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (C), Dave Ewers, Nick Timoney, James McNabney
Replacements: Rob Herring, Andrew Warwick, Marty Moore, Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea, John Cooney, Jake Flannery, Mike Lowry.