URC: McCloskey and Postlethwaite return for Ulster as Bell starts
Leinster v Ulster, Aviva Stadium Dublin, Friday December 19th (7.45pm)
Stuart McCloskey and Jude Postlethwaite return for Ulster in tomorrow's URC clash against Leinster in Dublin's Aviva Stadium (7.45pm).
Richie Murphy makes nine changes, with Australian prop Angus Bell making his first start.
Nick Timoney captains the side, while Juarno Augustus, Nathan Doak, Jack Murphy, Rob Balocoune and Jacob Stockdale all return.
Bell comes into the front row against the regining champions after two appearances as a replacement in the Challenge Cup, while McCloskey returns from a recent groin injury to start at inside centre againat a host of Irish international team-mates.
There's also a welcome return to the matchday squad for Ethan McIlroy, who is in line for a first appearance since suffering an ACL injury in January.
In the front row, Bell is joined by hooker Tom Stewart and tighthead prop Tom O’Toole, while Harry Sheridan and Charlie Irvine start again in the second row.
Completing the forward, David McCann starts at blindside flanker, with Nick Timoney captaining the team at openside. South African Juarno Augustus takes the number eight shirt.
Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy return to resume their partnership in the half back positions.
Murphy has selected Werner Kok on the left wing with Baloucoune on the right. Both have scored five tries each this season for the province. Jacob Stockdale, completes the XV at full-back.
McCloskey is partnered in midfield by Postlethwaite at outside centre.
Ulster team to play Leinster, Aviva Stadium Dublin, Friday December 19th (7.45pm)
1-8: Angus Bell, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Harry Sheridan, Charlie Irvine, David McCann, Nick Timoney(C), Juarno Augustus
9-15: Nathan Doak, Jack Murphy, Werner Kok, Stuart McCloskey, Jude Postlethwaite, Rob Baloucoune, Jacob Stockdale
Replacements: John Andrew, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Joe Hopes, Bryn Ward, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Ethan McIlroy