Ulster and Connacht go head-to-head to Saturday

Kieran Treadwell of Ulster is tackled (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Ulster have named their side to play Connacht in their interpro derby this Saturday.

Ulster Head Coach Richie Murphy has selected a back three of Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, and Jacobe Stockdale.

In midfield, Stewart Moore and Jude Postlethwaite form the pairing, while Aidan Morgan and John Cooney start as the province’s halfbacks.

In the forwards, Ian Henderson captains the side and is joined in the second row by Kieran Treadwell.

Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, and Tom O'Toole provide front-row experience, while the side is also completed by a back row of Sean Reffell, David McCann, and Nick Timoney.

Murphy opts for a 5:3 split on the bench, with James McCormick, Callum Reid, Corrie Barrett, Alan O’Connor, and Marcus Rea providing the forward replacement options.

Nathan Doak, Ben Carson, and Mike Lowry provide the back options from the bench.

The game kicks off at 8pm at the Kingspan Stadium You can watch it live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, Premier Sports and TG4.

Ulster: Ethan McIlroy; Werner Kok, Stewart Moore, Jude Postlethwaite, Jacob Stockdale; Aidan Morgan, John Cooney; Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Tom O’Toole; Iain Henderson (C), Kieran Treadwell; David McCann, Sean Reffell, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: James McCormick, Callum Reid, Corrie Barrett, Alan O’Connor, Marcus Rea, Nathan Doak, Ben Carson, Mike Lowry.

All set for a huge one this weekend 😤

Your Ulster side to take on Connacht at Kingspan Stadium 🏟️

🎟️ | https://t.co/sNBvOKGQGE pic.twitter.com/nxxgd2YXQF

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) October 11, 2024

Regarding Ulster's opponents, Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has selected his side, making five changes.

Santiago Cordero starts at fullback, with Mack Hansen and Shayne Bolton as the team’s wingers.

Piers O'Conor and Bundee Aki are the team’s centres, while Josh Ioane and Ben Murphy get the nod at outhalf and scrumhalf.

In the front row, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, and Denis Buckley start. Providing cover in the second row are Joe Joyce and Josh Murphy. The side is completed by a back row trio of Cian Prendergast, the captain, Sean O'Brien, and Paul Boyle.

The coaching team has opted for a 6:2 split on the bench, with Oisín Dowling, David O’Connor, and Conor Oliver all expected to be called upon.

Connacht: Santiago Cordero; Mack Hansen, Piers O'Conor, Bundee Aki, Shayne Bolton; Josh Ioane, Ben Murphy; Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham; Joe Joyce, Josh Murphy; Cian Prendergast (C), Sean O'Brien, Paul Boyle.

Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Temi Lasisi, Oisín Dowling, David O’Connor, Caolin Blade, Cathal Forde, and Conor Oliver.