Challenge Cup: Stewart leads Ulster as Instonians full-back set for debut

Tom Stewart will captain Ulster for the first time in tomorrow night's Challenge Cup clash away to Cardiff, as Head Coach Ricie Murphy rings the changes.

The starting line-up sees nine changes from the side that opened the competition in fine style last weekend with a 61-7 home win over Racing 92.

Out go forwards Sam Crean, the injured Rob Herring, Nick Timoney and Juarno Augustus, with Callum Reid, Stewart, Sean Refell and Bryn Ward all coming in. Augustus in amongst the replacements.

In the backs, Conor McKee and Jake Flannery form the half-back partnership, while Ben Carson, Werner Kok and Stewart Moore all returning to the starting XV. Nathan Dok, Jack Murphy, Jude Postlethwaite, Rob Baloucoune and Jacob Stockdale aren't involved.

Iain Henderson, Staurt McCloskey and Michael Lowry all remain on the treatment table, but Cormac Izuchukwu returns to take his place on the bench, while Instonians full-back Bradley McNamara is xet for an Ulster debut as one of the replacements.

In the pack, Reid and Tom O’Toole join Stewart to form the front row, while Harry Sheridan and Charlie Irvine continue their partnership in the second row.

The back row sees David McCann start at blindside, with Reffell named at openside and number eight Bryn Ward completing the trio.

McKee earns the number nine jersey after coming off the bench last week, partnering Jake Flannery, who starts at fly-half.

The midfield sees Carson come in at inside centre to join the experienced James Hume, now set for his 105th appearance in Ulster colours.

In the back three, Zac Ward continues on the left wing, Kok is on on the right and Stewart Moore starts at full-back.

On the bench, John Andrew provides experienced cover at hooker, while Wallaby Angus Bell is named among the replacements. Rory McGuire also features as tighthead cover.

There is second-row depth in Izuchukwu and Augustus, while the backs sees David Shanahan, James Humphreys, and that potential debut for McNamara.

Ulster side to play Cardiff, Challenge Cup, Saturday December 13 (8pm), Cardiff Arms Park

1-8: Callum Reid, Tom Stewart (C), Tom O'Toole, Harry Sheridan, Charlie Irvine, David McCann, Sean Reffell, Bryn Ward

9-15: Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Zac Ward, Ben Carson, James Hume, Werner Kok, Stewart Moore

Replacements: John Andrew, Angus Bell, Rory McGuire, Cormac Izuchukwu, Juarno Augustus, David Shanahan, James Humphreys, Bradley McNamara