Ulster change stripes to attack Zebre

ALMOST stung in Treviso by a sloppy second-half which nearly imperilled their unbeaten start to the season, Les Kiss cautions against complacency on their second trip to Italy this term by picking a much stronger side.

Early days yet, of course – Ulster won all opening five games last season, as they presumably will this, yet failed to make the play-offs – but with the prospect of rotating against Connacht next week ahead of a crucial European double-header, Kiss will want five points, not four, from this one.

After thumping the Dragons last weekend, there may be 12 changes to the side in all but such is the gulf in class between the top and bottom half of the PRO14 championship, Ulster fans will demand a comfortable win.

Charles Piutau, Darren Cave and Rodney Ah You are the trio to retain their starting role as Lion Iain Henderson makes his first start of the season after coming on as a replacement last weekend.

Wings Andrew Trimble (below) and Louis Ludik replace Tommy Bowe and Jacob Stockdale.

With Chris Henry out, Trimble will captain the side as he equals Roger Wilson’s (221) appearance record. Luke Marshall will partner Cave at centre.

No 8 Deysel missed last weekend’s hammering of the Dragons because of an eye injury while half-backs Christian Lealiifano and John Cooney were rested for the game.

Henderson will be partnered by Peter Browne at lock with Callum Black and hooker John Andrew replacing Kyle McCall and Rob Herring in the front-row.

The back-row is completely altered as Deysel links up with Matthew Rea and Sean Reidy as Clive Ross, Chris Henry and last Friday’s man of the match Nick Timoney drop out of the starting line-up.

Academy hooker Adam McBurney could make his first competitive appearance for Ulster after being named among the replacements.

Zebre bagged that most unusual of animal last weekend; a bonus point victory against the hapless Southern Kings.

Returning tight-head prop Dario Chistolini being Michael Bradley’s only change to the rare winning combination.

Verdict: Ulster