Afoa to get first Ulster start

John Afoa will go straight into the starting line up for Ulster's game against Connacht at Ravenhill on Saturday (5.35pm).

The New Zealand World Cup winner arrived in Belfast on Wednesday and will make his debut at tight head prop in place of Declan Fitzpatrick. The 28-year-old, signed from the Auckland Blues in March, made two appearances as the All Blacks went on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup two weeks ago.