Rugby: Ireland Sevens star Ward gets first Ulster start

Two trialists will start for Ulster in their second match of pre-season, away to Exeter Chiefs tomorrow.

Ireland Sevens star Zac Ward is given the nod on the wing, while Corrie Barrett starts at tighthead prop.

Lock Alan O’Connor captains the side from the second row alongside Kieran Treadwell, while the front row sees a return to action for Andrew Warwick at loosehead prop, James McCormick at hooker, and trialist Corrie Barrett at tighthead.

In the back row, the Rea brothers line up together, with Matty on the blindside and Marcus at openside flanker, with James McNabney starting at eight.

The half-back partnership this weekend sees scrum-half Nathan Doak pairing up with Kiwi Aidan Morgan, who made his debut for the province last weekend. Ben Carson starts at inside centre and is joined by Jude Postlethwaite, who scored an impressive try against Benetton, at outside centre.

Trialist Zac Ward gets the nod on the right wing for his first start, after making an appearance from the bench last week. Aaron Sexton starts again on the left with Ethan McIlroy completing the backfield at full-back.

Head Coach Richie Murphy opts for a 14- strong bench, with a 8/6 split.

John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Henry Walker, Harry Sheridan, Reuben Crothers, David McCann and Nick Timoney provide the forward options.

Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Mike Lowry, Stewart Moore and new boy Werner Kok will provide the back options. Ben Moxham is also named amongst the replacements, as he works towards his recovery from a long- term injury sustained last year.

Ulster team to play Exeter Chief, Saturday September 14th (5pm), Sandy Park

15-9: Ethan McIlroy, Zac Ward*, Jude Postlethwaite, Ben Carson, Aaron Sexton, Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak;

1-8: Andrew Warwick, James McCormick, Corrie Barrett*, Alan O’Connor (C), Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea, Marcus Rea, James McNabney.

Replacements: John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Henry Walker, Harry Sheridan, Reuben Crothers, David McCann, Nick Timoney, Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Mike Lowry, Stewart Moore, Werner Kok, Ben Moxham