Murphy makes 14 Ulster changes for Challenge Cup semi-final date with Exeter Chiefs

After captaining his province for the first time in a competitive match against Munster last weekend, Lowry retains his place at full-back.

Stuart McCloskey, left, and Nick Timoney of Ulster. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has named his matchday squad to take on Exeter Chiefs in Saturday's Challenge Cup semi-final at Affidea Stadium. (kick-off, 5.30pm).

There are 14 changes to the starting XV from last week's URC match against Munster, with Michael Lowry retained as Ulster bring back key senior players.

In the front row, Sam Crean starts at loosehead prop, packing down alongside hooker, Tom Stewart, and Tom O'Toole at tighthead prop.

In the second row, captain Iain Henderson starts alongside Cormac Izuchukwu.

There is a welcome return to the back row for influential flanker Nick Timoney, who is fit to start following his recovery from a recent hip injury.

Flanker David McCann and South African number eight, Juarno Augustus, join Timoney in the back row.

In the half-backs, scrum-half Nathan Doak starts alongside Jack Murphy at out-half, while Stuart McCloskey partners Jude Postlethwaite in midfield.

Jacob Stockdale starts on the left wing, with this season's leading try-scorer, Zac Ward, on the right wing.

After captaining his province for the first time in a competitive match against Munster last weekend, Lowry starts at full-back.

Murphy has selected a 5/3 split among the replacements; James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom McAllister, Charlie Irvine and Bryn Ward provide the forward options, while Conor McKee, Jake Flannery and Ethan McIlroy are the backline replacements.

Ulster: M Lowry; Z Ward, J Postlethwaite, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; J Murphy, N Doak; S Crean, T Stewart, T O’Toole; I Henderson, C Izuchukwu; D McCann, N Timoney, J Augustus.

Replacements: J McCormick, E O’Sullivan, T McAllister, C Irvine, B Ward, C McKee, J Flannery, E McIlroy.