Ulster Rugby Magners League Team Announced: v Aironi Rugby

Ruan Pienaar will start at outhalf for Ulster against Aironi in Friday’s Magners League fixture at Ravenhill (KO 19.05).

Brian McLaughlin has named the versatile South African in place of Ian Humphreys, while Paul Marshall comes in to fill the scrum half position vacated by Pienaar.

McLaughlin has also changed his entire front row with Paddy McCallister, Nigel Brady and Tom Court replacing Bryan Young, Andi Kyriacou and Declan Fitzpatrick. The final change to the starting team sees Paddy Wallace join fellow international Andrew Trimble in the backline as he replaces young Luke at inside centre.

The second row and back row combinations remain unchanged from last week’s win over Cardiff and Johann Muller will again lead the side. Robbie Diack and Simon Danielli are named among the replacements and will be hoping to make a big impact off the bench.

Ulster have beaten Aironi on three occasions this season and a fourth victory would continue their charge towards the Magners League playoffs.

ULSTER (15-9): Adam D’Arcy, Andrew Trimble, Nevin Spence, Paddy Wallace, Craig Gilroy; Ruan Pienaar, Paul Marshall; (1-8) Paddy McCallister, Nigel Brady, Tom Court, Johann Muller (Captain), Tim Barker, Chris Henry, Willie Faloon, Pedrie Wannenburg

Replacements (16-23): Andi Kyriacou, Declan Fitzpatrick, Jerry Cronin, Neil McComb, Robbie Diack, Luke Marshall, Simon Danielli, Tommy Seymour