Clermont Auvergne v Ulster: Champions Cup preview
By Tony Tighe
Last Updated: 18/12/16 4:09pm
Ulster will attempt to become the first non-French team to win at the Stade Marcel-Michelin since 2008 when they tackle Clermont Auvergne on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 4 HD from 3pm.
The Irish province edged a nine-try epic between the sides last weekend to stay in the hunt in Pool 5. They sit third, level on points with Bordeaux and three behind leaders Clermont after they left Belfast with two bonus points.
Ulster director of rugby Less Kiss makes just one change to his starting line-up. Robbie Diack has been ruled out by injury so fellow South African Franco van der Merwe comes into the second row to partner Pete Browne.
Luke Marshall continues at outside centre after his two-try display last week while Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Jackson continue their effective half-back partnership.
Clermont have won 26 of their last 27 home games in the Champions Cup and they welcome back France international Noa Nakaitaci, who replaces David Strettle on the wing.
Isaiah Toeava comes in at full-back with skipper Damien Chouly switching to No 8 to accommodate Viktor Kolelishvili's inclusion at blindside flanker.
Clermont Auvergne: 15 Isaiah Toeava, 14 Noa Nakaitaci, 13 Remi Lamerat, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Nick Abendanon, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Morgan Parra; 1 Etienne Falgoux, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 4 Arthur Iturria, 5 Sébastien Vahaamahina, 6 Viktor Kolelishvili, 7 Alexandre Lapandry, 8 Damien Chouly (c).
Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Thomas Domingo, 18 Mickael Simutoga, 19 Flip Van Der Merwe, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Ludovic Radosavljevic , 22 Pato Fernandez, 23 Aurélien Rougerie.
Ulster: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Luke Marshall, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Louis Ludik, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Ruan Pienaar; 1 Kyle McCall, 2 Rory Best (c), 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 4 Pete Browne, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 6 Iain Henderson, 7 Chris Henry, 8 Sean Reidy.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Andy Warwick, 18 Rodney Ah You, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Clive Ross, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Darren Cave, 23 Jacob Stockdale.
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