Les Kiss gives rookie Dave Shanahan first Ulster start

Rookie scrum-half Dave Shanahan makes his first start for Ulster in tomorrow’s crucial Champions Cup away trip to in-form Exeter.

The 23-year-old Dublin-born tyro has made 10 appearances so far for Ulster, all from the bench in his two-year spell in Belfast. While Ulster’s star performer Ruan Pienaar is sidelined for at least another three weeks following minor knee surgery, Shanahan comes in for veteran Paul Marshall who reverts to the bench following Ulster’s disappointing 16-13 defeat to Scarlets last week.

Shanahan, noted for his swift pass and eye for a break, is partnered by the reliable Paddy Jackson at half-back while All Black Charles Piutau returns to action this time in a roving right-wing role while skipper Andrew Trimble moves to the left. Shanahan’s Ballymena club colleague Ross Kane will also make his European debut when he lines out at tight-head alongside Rory Best and Callum Black.