Ulster vs Stade Francais: Jacob Stockdale returns as Richie Murphy makes 10 changes

Jacob Stockdale returns from injury as Ulster put together a strong side to face Stade Francais in the Challenge Cup in Belfast on Saturday. [13:00 GMT].

Both teams have already qualified for the knockout rounds but the French side have a one-point lead over Ulster at the top of Group C.

Ulster secured a 28-0 win over the Panthers in the penultimate game after sub-zero temperatures in the Netherlands meant the match could not be played.

Coach Richie Mowbray made 10 changes to the starting team that was scheduled to face the Panthers.

Harry Sheridan, David McCann, Nathan Doak, Zach Ward and James Hume are the only players to retain their home shirts for the match at the Avidia Stadium.

Stockdale returns at full-back after suffering a rib injury against Munster while Robert Baloconi and Ward form the back three.

Stuart McCluskey and Hume will form the center partnership while Jack Murphy returns at fly-half alongside Doak.

Australian Angus Bell starts with Tom Stewart and Tom O’Toole, while Ian Henderson will lead the team from the second row with Harry Sheridan.

McCann, Nick Timoney and Bryn Ward will start in the back row while hooker Rob Herring, who has signed a new contract extension, is named to the bench.

Ulster: J. Stockdale. R Balcon; Hume J, McCloskey S; Z afferent; J Murphy, N Doc; Bell, T. Stewart, T. O’Toole; I Henderson, H Sheridan; D McCann, N Timoney, B Ward.

Replacements: R. Herring, E. O’Sullivan, S. Wilson, M. Dalton, S. Revell, C. Mackey, G. Flannery, G. Postlethwaite.