Rugby

Ulster make two changes for visit of Harlequins

Iain Henderson captains side from six again following last weekend’s win at The Stoop

Ulster welcome Harlequins to Belfast following last weekend’s win in a snowy London. Photograph: Henry Browne/Getty

Thu Dec 14 2017 - 12:31

Champions Cup, Ulster v Harlequins, Ravenhill, Friday December 14th (7.45ko, BT Sports)

Ulster have made just two changes to their starting XV for Friday night’s Champions Cup clash with Harlequins at Ravenhill.

The province delivered a controlled and impressive performance to beat the English Premiership side 17-5 at a snowy Twickenham Stoop last weekend.

And Les Kiss has been able to name a largely unchanged side for the return fixture, with Chris Henry and Louis Ludik the two new additions to the starting line-up.

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Backrow Henry replaces Sean Reidy, who drops to the bench, while Ludik comes into the midfield in place of the injured Tommy Bowe.

Iain Henderson will captain the side again from flanker after his barnstorming display in London, with Charles Piutau starting at 15.

With La Rochelle looking likely to comfortably top Pool One, a win on Friday will put Ulster in the driving seat in the race for a runners-up spot.

Ulster: Charles Piutau; Craig Gilroy, Louis Ludik, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Christian Lealiifano, John Cooney; Callum Black, Rob Herring, Wiehahn Herbst, Alan O'Connor, Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (c), Chris Henry, Nick Timoney. Replacements: John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Ross Kane, Matt Rea, Sean Reidy, Paul Marshall, Peter Nelson, Andrew Trimble

Harlequins: Ross Chisholm; Charlie Walker, Winston Stanley, Jamie Roberts, Alofa Alofa; Marcus Smith, Ian Prior; Lewis Boyce, Elia Elia, Kyle Sinckler, George Merrick, Charlie Matthews, Archie White, Dave Ward (c), Renaldo Bothma. Replacements: Charlie Piper, Mark Lambert, Phil Swainston, Mat Luamanu, Dino Lamb, James Lang, Tim Visser, Mike Brown

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