Murphy makes two Ulster changes for Challenge Cup showdown with La Rochelle

Tom Stewart returns to start at hooker for the clash with Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle.

Ulster's Jack Murphy kicks a conversion. Pic: Nick Elliott

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has named his match-day squad to face Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle in Friday night's Challenge Cup quarter-final at Affidea Stadium. (kick-off, 8pm) 

There is one change to the forward pack who started last weekend’s Round of 16 victory against Ospreys, with Ireland international Tom Stewart starting at hooker.

Wallaby loosehead prop Angus Bell retains his spot in the front row and Irish international Tom O’Toole starts at tighthead.

Captain Iain Henderson starts alongside Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row. 

26-year-old lock Izuchukwu is set for a milestone 50th Ulster appearance tomorrow night.

The back row is unchanged with last weekend’s two try-scorers, David McCann and Nick Timoney, starting at blindside flanker and openside flanker respectively. 

South African forward Juarno Augustus starts at eight.

There is one change in the half-back partnership, as Jack Murphy returns at fly-half alongside scrum-half Nathan Doak.

The midfield remains unchanged, as Stuart McCloskey and James Hume keep their partnership going.

In the back three, Zac Ward slots in on the left wing, with Werner Kok on the right wing. Ireland international back Jacob Stockdale switches positions to full-back.

Among the replacements, centre Jude Postlethwaite is back after sustaining a hand injury against Edinburgh in the URC last month, while forward Harry Sheridan is also back following his suspension.

James McCormick, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan and Bryn Ward are the forward replacements.

Conor McKee, Jake Flannery and Postlethwaite are the backline cover.

Ulster: Jacob Stockdale; Werner Kok, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Zac Ward; Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak; Angus Bell, Tom Stewart, Tom O'Toole; Iain Henderson (capt), Cormac Izuchukwu; Dave McCann, Nick Timoney, Juarno Augustus.

Replacements: James McCormick, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Bryn Ward, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Jude Postlethwaite.

La Rochelle: Ihaia West; Ugo Pacome, UJ Seuteni, Adrien Seguret, Hoani Bosmorin; Diego Jurd, Thomas Berjon (capt); Louis Penverne, Gabin Garault, Karl Sorin; Thomas Lavault, Aleksandre Kuntelia; Edouard Richer, Kirill Fraindt, Lucas Andjisseramatchi.

Replacements: Tolu Latu, Christian Luaki, Joel Sclavi, Alexandre Kaddouri, Nikoloz Sutidze, Judicael Cancoriet, Sacha Elissalde, Nolhann Couillaud.