Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe has made six personnel changes and one positional switch for Saturday afternoon’s encounter with Zebre in Parma (kick-off 3pm local time/2pm Irish time).
Ricky Andrew, who scored a try against Zebre at Ravenhill last season, starts at full-back in place of Craig Gilroy who moves to the left wing.
Andrew Trimble continues on the right wing, with fellow Ireland internationals Darren Cave and Luke Marshall keeping their places in midfield.
Ireland out-half Paddy Jackson returns to the Ulster starting line-up and is partnered by Paul Marshall at half-back.
Up front, Tom Court is selected at loosehead prop with Callum Black moving to the bench. Rob Herring and All Black prop John Afoa are retained in the front row.
With injuries to both Lewis Stevenson (medial ligament) and Iain Henderson (hamstring), there is a new second row with Neil McComb joining forces with Dan Tuohy.
Robbie Diack captains the province for the second time from blindside flanker with Mike McComish named at openside and Roger Wilson starting at Number 8.
Tommy Bowe and Ruan Pienaar are being rested for the round 9 match following their involvement in the autumn internationals. Saturday’s game is live on RTÉ Two and the BBC Sport NI website.
ULSTER (v Zebre): Ricky Andrew; Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy; Paddy Jackson, Paul Marshall; Tom Court, Rob Herring, John Afoa, Neil McComb, Dan Tuohy, Robbie Diack (capt), Mike McComish, Roger Wilson.
Replacements: Niall Annett, Callum Black, Declan Fitzpatrick, Conor Joyce, Sean Doyle, Michael Heaney, James McKinney, Michael Allen.
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