Rugby: Four changes for Ulster ahead of mammoth Toulouse clash

Dan McFarland's made four changes to his starting line-up for tomorrow night's huge Champions Cup clash against French giants Toulouse at a sold-out Kingspan.

Mike Lowry, Tom Stewart, Dave Ewers and James Hume all come in, with Will Addison, Luke Marshall and Matty Rea dropping to the bench and Ireland international Rob Herring missing out completely.

On a weekend that sees Ulster Rugby mark the 25th anniversary of the club lifting the European Cup, as well as the centenary of its home ground, Dan McFarland’s men will be looking to build on their most recent successes.

After starting this season’s Champions Cup off with an away loss against Bath Rugby, Ulster bounced back with a bonus point win against Racing 92 last month at Kingspan Stadium. That victory sparked winning momentum, with Interprovincial wins against Connacht and Leinster to follow.

The front row sees one change from the URC victory against Leinster at the RDS Arena, as Steven Kitshoff, Stewart and Tom O’Toole start. Packing behind them, Ireland international locks Kieran Treadwell and skipper Iain Henderson start in the second row.

The back row sees one change, as Dave Ewers comes back into the starting line-up at blindside flanker and is joined by Sean Reffell, with Nick Timoney, who has scored five tries in his past three appearances for the province, at eight.

John Cooney and Billy Burns form the experienced half-back partnership, hoping to continue their fine form.

Jacob Stockdale, who is named on the left wing, will look to carry on where he left off at the RDS as he aims to continue his try-scoring form, with Rob Baloucoune retaining his spot on Ulster’s right wing. James Hume returns from injury to partner Stuart McCloskey in the centre positions. Mike Lowry completes the backfield as he starts at full-back.

McFarland opts for a 5:3 split on the bench, with John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Marty Moore, Al O’Connor, Matty Rea, Nathan Doak, Marshall and Addison providing the options as replacements.

Ulster side v Toulouse, Saturday 13 January (8pm)

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), Dave Ewers, Sean Reffell, Nick Timoney

Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Marty Moore, Al O’Connor, Matty Rea, Nathan Doak, Luke Marshall, Will Addison