2013 Lions Rory Best and Tommy Bowe have been selected by Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe for the province’s RaboDirect PRO12 match against Benetton Treviso at Ravenhill on Friday (kick-off 7.05pm).
In total, there are 11 Ireland internationals in the starting line-up in a side that sees seven personnel changes and three positional switches to the one that beat Connacht at the Sportsground last Saturday.
Craig Gilroy starts at full-back and is joined in the back-three by Tommy Bowe, who starts on the right wing, and Michael Allen who retains his place on the left flank.
Jared Payne moves to outside centre where he is partnered by Luke Marshall. Paddy Jackson starts at out-half, while Paul Marshall replaces Ian Porter in the number 9 jersey.
Hooker Rory Best, Ulster’s captain for the night, will combine with Ricky Lutton and Tom Court in the front row. Iain Henderson keeps his place in the second row but will don the number 4 shirt, with Dan Tuohy locking down alongside him.
In the back row, Robbie Diack is selected at blindside flanker with Roger Wilson moving to number 8. Chris Henry is retained at openside flanker.
Commenting on his selection, the returning Bowe, said: “It is great to be back. It has been a tough old pre-season with my wrist injury but I am delighted to be playing, delighted to be back fit again and looking forward to my first game at Ravenhill with the two new stands up.”
Tickets for the game, which is being shown live on BBC 2 Northern Ireland, are still available and can be purchased here. Tickets will also be available to buy on the gate.
ULSTER (v Benetton Treviso): Craig Gilroy; Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne, Luke Marshall, Michael Allen; Paddy Jackson, Paul Marshall; Tom Court, Rory Best (capt), Ricky Lutton, Iain Henderson, Dan Tuohy, Robbie Diack, Chris Henry, Roger Wilson.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Callum Black, Bronson Ross, Lewis Stevenson, Nick Williams, Michael Heaney, James McKinney, Darren Cave.
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