Ulster coach Matt Williams has named an experienced team to take on the Ospreys in Saturday’s Magners League encounter at Liberty Stadium (kick-off 5.30pm).
There have been a number of changes to the Ulster team that was defeated last week by the Newport Gwent Dragons at Ravenhill.
The big change being the loss of hooker and team captain Rory Best who, after receiving a knock to the knee in last Friday’s game, is resting up in anticipation of Ulster’s first Heineken Cup match against Stade Francais in two weeks’ time.
In Best’s absence, the captaincy moves to Italian international Carlo Del Fava, and Nigel Brady steps into replace Best as hooker.
Bryn Cunningham replaces Clinton Schifcofske as full-back, with Schifcofske moving out to the left wing. Andrew Trimble also moves into the centre to partner Rob Dewey, which means Darren Cave drops out of the matchday squad.
In the forwards, Justin Fitzpatrick replaces Tom Court at loosehead prop, with Court dropping to the replacements bench.
Also on the bench is Ireland back rower Stephen Ferris, who is making a welcome return to the Ulster squad for his first competitive game of the season. He has recovered from a troublesome back injury.
ULSTER (v Ospreys): Bryn Cunningham; Timoci Nagusa, Rob Dewey, Andrew Trimble, Clinton Schifcofske; Niall O’Connor, Isaac Boss; Justin Fitzpatrick, Nigel Brady, BJ Botha, Carlo Del Fava (capt), Ryan Caldwell, Matt McCullough, Kieron Dawson, Robbie Diack.
Replacements: Stuart Phillpott, Tom Court, Ed O’Donoghue, Stephen Ferris, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Paul Steinmetz.
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