ULSTER HAVE MADE four changes to their side for Friday’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash with the Dragons at Rodney Parade.

Craig Gilroy, Lewis Stevenson, Declan Fitzpatrick and Paul Marshall all come into the side.

Fitzpatrick makes his first appearance at tighthead prop, replacing John Afoa, since returning from a knee injury while Stevenson starts instead of the injured Johann Muller.

Chris Henry captains the side in Muller’s absence.

Gilroy is named on the left wing as Andrew Trimble moves over to the right flank, while Paddy Wallace and Darren Cave continue in the centre.

Jared Payne, who has played every minute of Ulster’s campaign so far this season, is rested as Tommy Bowe is named at full-back.

Ulster have enjoyed an impressive start to the season and top the PRO12 table with a 100% record.

Team v Dragons: T Bowe; A Trimble, D Cave, P Wallace, C Gilroy; R Pienaar, P Marshall; T Court, R Best, D Fitzpatrick; L Stevenson, D Tuohy; I Henderson, C Henry, N Williams.

Replacements: N Brady, C Black, J Afoa, M McComish, R Wilson, P Jackson, L Marshall, J Payne.

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