Ulster make 14-change axe swing for Challenge Cup clash with Exeter

Ulster has swung the axe following last weekend’s heavy URC defeat to Munster, with head coach Richie Murphy making 14 alterations to his starting XV for Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter Chiefs at the Affidea Stadium.

Michael Lowry is the sole survivor from the side that was hammered by Munster, retaining his place at full-back as Ulster recall a host of senior figures for the European showdown in Belfast.

In the front row, Sam Crean starts at loosehead prop alongside hooker Tom Stewart and tighthead Tom O’Toole, with Wallaby Angus Bell missing out due to injury.

Captain Iain Henderson returns to the engine room. The Ireland and British & Irish Lions veteran is partnered by Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row.

The back row is significantly reinforced by the return of Nick Timoney, who is fit to start following a recent hip injury. He is joined by flanker David McCann and South African No.8 Juarno Augustus.

Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy combine in the half-backs, while the midfield sees Guinness Six Nations Player of the Tournament nominee Stuart McCloskey paired with Jude Postlethwaite.

Fellow Ireland star Jacob Stockdale is named on the left wing. Ulster’s leading try-scorer Zac Ward is on the right wing, while the aforementioned Lowry continues at full-back after captaining the province for the first time in a competitive fixture last weekend.

Murphy has selected a 5:3 split on the bench, with James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom McAllister, Charlie Irvine and Bryn Ward providing forward cover, while Conor McKee, Jake Flannery and Ethan McIlroy offer backline options.

Ulster Rugby: 15. Mike Lowry, 14. Zac Ward, 13. Jude Postlethwaite, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 10. Jack Murphy, 9. Nathan Doak, 1. Sam Crean, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Tom O’Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. Dave McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Juarno Augustus

Replacements: 16. James McCormick, 17. Eric O’Sullivan, 18. Tom McAllister, 19. Charlie Irvine, 20. Bryn Ward, 21. Conor McKee, 22. Jake Flannery, 23. Ethan McIlroy