Stockdale is winging it as Lowry keeps full-back role
Ulster’s returning Irish internationals provide the only changes to Dan Mcfarland’s side from the team that was victorious over Edinburgh in Murrayfield last time out.
With Mike Lowry retaining his place at full-back, Stockdale instead comes in for the injured Rob Lyttle on the left wing.
The other change in the backline comes with Stuart Mccloskey’s restoration to his usual No.12 jersey. With James Hume selected as his midfield partner, Stewart Moore drops to the bench for the first time this season
Up front, Andy Warwick and John Andrew will also start the game among the replacements with Eric O’sullivan and Rob Herring coming straight back into the side.
Thanks to Henderson’s injury, Sam Carter will captain the side from the second-row where he again partners Alan O’connor.
And O’connor’s younger brother David is set for a European debut from the bench
having come on as a replacement in Ulster’s last three Guinness PRO14 games.
Prior to Ulster’s game, the competition kicks-off with Northampton’s hosting of Bordeaux-begles at Franklin’s Gardens (5.30pm kick-off ).
The 2000 European champions have lost three from three in the Premiership season and things won’t be getting any easier with two games against Leinster on their slate too.
Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd said ahead of this evening’s game: “There are only two opponents and four games, plus it was seeded. It’s a pretty tough draw.
“It is a challenge we are looking forward to, much like last year when we faced Lyon in our first game at home.
“The boys enjoy playing the French teams because it is a different challenge.
“They are a very good side, well coached and probably play the closest to an English style of game compared to a lot of the French teams.
“They are well disciplined, well organised and have very good individuals.
“They are a handful and I think they have won four of their last five games.”