In a changed front row, Andy Warwick starts at loosehead prop, with Tom Stewart starting at hooker alongside Marty Moore at tighthead prop. It marks Moore’s first start since sustaining a knee injury against Munster on New Year’s Day.

Ireland international lock, Kieran Treadwell, makes his 150th cap for Ulster alongside captain Iain Henderson in Ulster’s second row.

After scoring a try last weekend against Racing 92, Matty Rea starts at blindside flanker, and there is a welcome return to action for openside flanker, Sean Reffell, who plays for the first time since injuring his ankle against Benetton last season.

Double try scorer last week, Nick Timoney, starts at eight this week.

Starting against his former team, John Cooney, retains his spot at scrum-half after a brilliant performance against Racing 92. Jake Flannery starts at fly-half to complete the half-back partnership.

The back five remains unchanged after last weekend’s victory over Racing 92.

Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune both start on the left and right wing respectively.

After a Player of the Match performance last weekend, Stuart McCloskey retains his place at inside centre as he is joined by James Hume to continue their in-form partnership.

Mike Lowry starts at full-back after returning to the side last week.

McFarland opts for a 5:3 split on the bench as John Andrew, Steven Kitshoff, Tom O’Toole, Al O’Connor, Dave Ewers, Nathan Doak, Jude Postlethwaite and Will Addison form the replacements.

Ulster v Connacht, Friday 22 December, BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 8, Kingspan Stadium, Live on BBC NI, ViaPlay, TG4 and URC.tv

(15-9) Mike Lowry, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Jake Flannery, John Cooney;

(1-8) Andy Warwick, Tom Stewart, Marty Moore, Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (C), Matty Rea, Sean Reffell, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: John Andrew, Steven Kitshoff, Tom O’Toole, Al O’Connor, Dave Ewers, Nathan Doak, Jude Postlethwaite, Will Addison.