Ulster Captain Best Returns For Zebre Clash

Rory Best is one of eight changes to the side that drew 32-32 away to the Scarlets on the opening weekend of the GUINNESS PRO12.

The Ireland and Lions hooker is joined in the front row by Andrew Warwick, with newcomer Wiehahn Herbst retaining his place at tighthead prop.

Dan Tuohy also keeps his place and is partnered at lock by Lewis Stevenson. Nick Williams comes into the side at number 8 and is joined by Ireland internationals Robbie Diack and Chris Henry who produced impressive displays in Llanelli.

Darren Cave makes his first start of the season, forming a solid centre partnership with Luke Marshall. Andrew Trimble and full-back Ricky Andrew come into the back-three alongside Craig Gilroy. Paul Marshall and Ian Humphreys will combine at half-back once more.

Ruaidhri Murphy, a close season signing from the Brumbies, is in line to make his first PRO12 appearance after being named in the matchday 23.

A number of players who made significant contributions in last week’s game are also named among the replacements. Franco van der Merwe and Louis Ludik, who marked their competitive debuts with a try apiece, are named on the bench along with Roger Wilson, Stuart Olding, Rob Herring, Bronson Ross and Michael Heaney.

Tickets for the BBC 2 Northern Ireland-televised game remain on sale for all areas of the ground. For the best remaining available tickets, buy online here.

Match tickets will also be available on the gate with the ticket booth opening at 6pm. These will be restricted to terrace tickets only.

ULSTER (v Zebre): Ricky Andrew; Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy; Ian Humphreys, Paul Marshall; Andrew Warwick, Rory Best (capt), Wiehahn Herbst, Lewis Stevenson, Dan Tuohy, Robbie Diack, Chris Henry, Nick Williams.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Ruaidhri Murphy, Bronson Ross, Franco van der Merwe, Roger Wilson, Michael Heaney, Stuart Olding, Louis Ludik.