Ulster ready for Lions in Johannesburg

Alan O’Connor captains the team in the second row, where he is joined by Kieran Treadwell.

Andy Warwick starts at loosehead prop, joined by John Andrew at hooker and tighthead prop, Tom O’Toole, to form the front row.

Packing down behind the front five, Matty Rea gets the nod at blindside flanker, with Sean Reffell starting on the openside. Nick Timoney retains his position at number eight.

The half back partnership sees John Cooney make a return at scrum-half after a hamstring injury ruled him out of the opening round last weekend.

After scoring a try on his debut last week against Glasgow Warriors, Aidan Morgan, again starts at ten.

Richie makes two changes to the backline of Round 1, with Stuart McCloskey back in the squad and starting at inside centre, alongside outside centre, Stewart Moore.

After getting a taste of action from the bench last week, this weekend will see South African winger, Werner Kok, make his first start in an Ulster jersey.

Jacob Stockdale provides the threat going forward from the left wing.

Ethan McIlroy retains his spot at full-back, completing the starting XV.

Murphy opts for a 6:2 split on the bench, with James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson, James McNabney and David McCann providing the forward options.

Scrum-half, Nathan Doak, and Mike Lowry form the backline options.

Emirates Lions v Ulster Rugby, Saturday 28 September, Round 2 BKT United Rugby Championship, 11.55am, Emirates Airline Park. (Live on Premier Sports)

(1-8) Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Alan O’Connor (C), Matty Rea, Sean Reffell, Nick Timoney;

(15-9) Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, Stewart Moore, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Aidan Morgan, John Cooney.

Replacements:

James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson, James McNabney, Nathan Doak, Mike Lowry, David McCann.