It’s cold comfort for the players involved, but Ulster are boosted by the arrival of Andrew Trimble and Luke Marshall from the Irish camp, Craig Gilroy replacing Trimble in Declan Kidney’s affections.

Number eight Roger Wilson has been named as captain, with Peter Nelson (20) earning just his second start at fullback. Up front coach Mark Anscombe deploys an all new frontrow of Tom Court, Rob Herring and Declan Fitzpatrick in place of Callum Black, Nigel Brady and John Afoa respectively.

The secondrow pairing of Robbie Diack and Neil McComb continues after impressing against Zebre last Sunday. The backrow is also unchanged with Nick Williams and Mike McComish named on either side of the scrum and Wilson at the base.

Marshall’s inclusion alongside Niall O’Connor at halfback, with Paddy Wallace and Jared Payne playing in midfield for the third consecutive match, makes for a creative backline.

With Trimble named on the right wing, Michael Allen has switched to the left.