Winger Werner Kok returns to Ulster’s starting lineup for Friday night’s Vodacom URC clash against the Stormers in Belfast.
The former Blitzbok has been one of Ulster’s standout performers this season, scoring seven tries in the competition, but missed last week’s EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final win against the Exeter Chiefs.
With Kok back in the No 14 jersey, Zac Ward shifts to the left wing.
Up front, Australian prop Angus Bell returns from injury to start at loosehead prop, alongside hooker James McCormick and Ireland tighthead Tom O’Toole.
Captain Iain Henderson partners Charlie Irvine in the second row, while Cormac Izuchukwu moves to blindside flank in the only change to the back row. Nick Timoney and Juarno Augustus retain their places.
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Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy continue as the halfback pairing, with Jude Postlethwaite and Ethan McIlroy combining in midfield.
Ulster have opted for a 5-3 split on the bench, with Scott Wilson returning from injury among the forward replacements.
South African-born centre Wilhelm de Klerk, who moved to Ireland with his family at the age of 10, provides backline cover.
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ULSTER – 15 Michael Lowry, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ethan McIlroy, 12 Jude Postlethwaite, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Cormac Izuchukwu, 5 Charlie Irvine, 4 Iain Henderson (c), 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 James McCormick, 1 Angus Bell.
Bench: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Eric O’Sullivan, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Harry Sheridan, 20 Bryn Ward, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Wilhelm de Klerk.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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