Ulster will welcome back centre James Hume and hooker Rob Herring for their United Rugby Championship match against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday (12:45 GMT). Both players make their first appearances of the season after injury layoffs. Ulster have lost two and drawn two of their opening four league games and are without eight players on international duty plus the unavailable Robert Baloucoune. Flanker David McCann captains the side, with former Stormers forward Juarno Augustus starting at number eight.
Leinster rotate heavily for Connacht derby
Leinster, coming off a win over Munster, travel to face Connacht on Friday night (19:45 GMT) with a heavily rotated squad. Only fly-half Joey Carbery retains his place from the previous match. Leo Cullen has selected a new pack, with Max Deegan captaining from the back row. Jordan Larmour returns from injury on the wing, while centre Connor Fahy makes his provincial debut. Connacht also make 12 changes from their win over Zebre, retaining only captain Paul Boyle, prop Finlay Bealham and centre Cathal Forde.
Munster hand debut to Russell against Sharks
Munster host the Sharks on Saturday (17:30 GMT) with seven changes. Former Leinster winger Rob Russell will make his Munster debut, replacing the injured Shane Daly. Centre Gordon Wood earns his first provincial start. Ben O'Donovan comes in at scrum-half for Craig Casey, and JJ Hanrahan starts at fly-half ahead of Charlie O'Shea. Edwin Edogbo and Lee Barron are in line for their first appearances of the season from the bench.
