Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has announced seven changes to his team for Saturday's United Rugby Championship encounter with Munster. Ireland internationals Stuart McCloskey and Nick Timoney are back in the starting line-up for the match at Affidea Stadium.
McCloskey, who featured in all three of Ireland's Nations Championship matches in July, returns at inside centre, partnering with summer signing Jamie Benson. This will mark McCloskey's 218th appearance for Ulster, placing him alongside former captain Rory Best in joint-third on the province's all-time cap list. Timoney rejoins the back row alongside Cormac Izuchukwu and Juarno Augustus.
Nathan Doak makes his first start of the season at scrum-half, while Jacob Stockdale is set to make his 150th appearance on the left wing. Robert Baloucoune also returns on the right wing after missing the previous game due to concussion.
Munster, fresh from a bonus-point win over the Bulls, are bolstered by the return of captain Tadhg Beirne from injury. Beirne's return is one of nine changes made by head coach Clayton McMillan. Props Jeremy Loughman and Kieran Brookes are back in the front row, and Ben O'Connor and Alex Nankivell return at full-back and outside centre respectively.