Frontline trio return to give Ulster a boost

PRO 12:ULSTER COACH Brian McLaughlin has welcomed back a number of frontline players following injury for tonight's game against Treviso (7.05pm, BBC NI) at Ravenhill. Ian Humphreys (shoulder) replaces Paddy Jackson at outhalf, Darren Cave returns at outside centre, with Nevin Spence moving to the inside role at the expense of Luke Marshall.

Jared Payne has recovered from a dead leg and resumes at fullback in place of Adam D’Arcy. Hooker Andi Kyriacou, secondrow Tim Barker and Mike McComish all start. The latter will make his competitive debut as will Kyle McCall if he is introduced.

McLaughlin will be looking for a much improved performance following last weekend’s defeat by the Dragons.

“Ian will give us a lot of organisation and Darren is a great communicator and a great defender. To have Jared in there to add solidity at the back and a bit of spice in attack is very important for us as well.”

ULSTER: J Payne; C Gilroy, D Cave, N Spence, I Whitten; I Humphreys, P Marshall; D Fitzpatrick, A Kyriacou, J Cronin; T Barker, D Tuohy; P Wannenburg, M McComish, C Henry (capt). Replacements: N Brady, K McCall, A Macklin, L Stevenson, R Diack, I Porter, P Jackson, A D’Arcy.

BENETTON TREVISO: L Nitoglia; T Iannone, E Galon, L Morisi, B Williams; K Burton, T Botes; M Rizzo, E Ceccato, L Cittadini; A Pavanello (capt), V Bernabo; F Minto; B Vermaak, M Filipucci. Replacements: D Vidal, M Muccignat, C Fazzari, G Padrò, M Vosawai, W De Waal, A Sgarbi, A Chillon.

Referee: Stefano Penne (Italy).

Verdict: Ulster.