Payne to lead Ulster for Scarlets clash

Future Ireland prospect Jared Payne will captain Ulster when they travel to face the Scarlets in Llanelli this evening (6.30pm).

With Johann Muller sidelined with a calf injury and Rory Best and Chris Henry on Ireland squad duty, Payne gets to lead the side for only the second time. Kiwi Payne, who qualifies for Ireland on residency at the end of the season, reverts to full-back for the trip as head coach Mark Anscombe makes eight changes from the side that recorded a bonus-point win over the Blues last week.

The versatile Stuart Olding was due to line-out at fly-half, but concussion has ruled him out of contention so Ruan Pienaar will wear the number 10 jersey with Paul Marshall coming in as his half-back partner. The in-form Darren Cave and Chris Farrell form a new midfield duo while Michael Allen returns to the left wing with Andrew Trimble, who was released by Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt, on the right.