Richie Murphy names depleted Ulster team for his first home game

Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Nick Timoney, Steven Kitshoff and Stewart Moore will all miss Friday’s 7 35pm) clash with Cardiff in the BKT United Rugby Championship after collecting knocks in last Saturday’s humbling Challenge Cup defeat at the hands of Clermont.

Alan O’Connor retains his starting position from last week, and will captain Friday’s side from the second row alongside Harry Sheridan. A changed front row from last week’s game in Clermont sees Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart and Scott Wilson get the nod.

In the back row, David McCann makes the switch to the number eight jersey, and will pack down alongside Dave Ewers and Marcus Rea.

Nathan Doak and Jake Flannery will form a half-back partnership, with James Hume and Jude Postlethwaite at centre.

On the left wing, Jacob Stockdale makes a return to the starting line-up, with Mike Lowry moving to the right wing after last week’s test in France. Will Addison completes the starting line-up at full-back.

On the bench, the forward reinforcements named are John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Tom O’Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu and Greg Jones. John Cooney, Billy Burns and Ethan McIlroy will be the back options.

(15-9): Will Addison, Mike Lowry, James Hume, Jude Postlethwaite, Jacob Stockdale, Jake Flannery, Nathan Doak;

(1-8): Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Alan O’Connor, Dave Ewers, Marcus Rea, Dave McCann.

Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Tom O’Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, Greg Jones, John Cooney, Billy Burns, Ethan McIlroy.