Gilroy comes in as one of nine changes made by Les Kiss.

Gilroy comes in as one of nine changes made by Les Kiss.

ULSTER’S FIRST-EVER competitive fixture in South Africa will be a landmark one for Craig Gilroy as he makes his 150th appearance for the province [KO 1pm, BBC NI].

Saturday’s Pro14 clash against the Southern Kings at the Wolfson Stadium will be Gilroy’s first game of the season after recovering from a back injury he sustained during pre-season.

The Ireland international winger is included in a backline containing no shortage of experience and attacking flair with Charles Piutau, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble and Christian Leallifano all named to start.

John Cooney has shaken off injury to renew his half-back partnership with Leallifano as Ulster look to get back on track following two damaging defeats to La Rochelle and Leinster.

Overall, Les Kiss has made nine changes from that reversal to Leinster last time out with Luke Marshall, Rodney Ah You and Jean Deysel missing out through injury and Tommy Bowe dropping to the bench.

Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Rory Best, Rob Herring and Iain Henderson are all in Ireland camp but Kieran Treadwell was released and starts in the second row alongside Alan O’Connor.

Ulster:

15. Charles Piutau

14. Craig Gilroy

13. Louis Ludik

12. Darren Cave

11. Andrew Trimble

10. Christian Lealiifano

9. John Cooney

1. Andy Warwick

2. John Andrew

3. Wiehahn Herbst

4. Kieran Treadwell

5. Alan O’Connor

6. Matty Rea

7. Chris Henry (captain)

8. Sean Reidy.

Replacements:

16. Adam McBurney

17. Callum Black

18. Ross Kane

19. Robbie Diack

20. Clive Ross

21. Jonny Stewart

22. Peter Nelson

23. Tommy Bowe.

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