Ulster v Munster - Teams and Prediction
FRIDAY PREVIEW: Munster have made 10 changes and one positional switch for their United Rugby Championship Round Nine match against Ulster as they look to get back to winning ways after last weekend’s 8-13 defeat to Leinster at Thomond Park.
The Limerick side will enter the clash in Belfast in second position, two points behind the unbeaten Stormers.
The Capetonians also played one game less, which means Munster could lose some ground if they suffered another defeat and the Stormers win their big North-South derby against the Bulls on Saturday.
Calvin Nash returns from illness with Dan Kelly, JJ Hanrahan and Paddy Patterson also coming into Munster’s starting backline.
Captain Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley, John Hodnett and Alex Kendellen start in the pack.
In the replacements, Brian Gleeson returns from the elbow injury he sustained at Croke Park in October.
Meanwhile, Ulster have been strong at home this season and will be keen to harness the energy of Affidea Stadium to unsettle their southern rivals.
The hosts’ game plan is likely to revolve around physical defence and fast ruck speed to release their dangerous backs, such as Werner Kok
Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has made six changes from last week’s bonus-point victory against Connacht at Dexcom Stadium, with Ireland international Iain Henderson returning to captain the side following a back injury.
The front row sees two changes, with Wallaby international Angus Bell starting at loosehead for his first interpro in Belfast. Tom Stewart retains his spot at hooker, and Tom O’Toole starts at tighthead prop.
Henderson is joined by 21-year-old development forward Joe Hopes in the second row.
After returning from injury with a Player of the Match performance in Galway, Cormac Izuchukwu shifts to blindside flank for the opening match of 2026. Nick Timoney starts at openside flank, and Academy forward Bryn Ward starts at No.8.
Scrumhalf Nathan Doak returns to the starting line-up alongside flyhalf Jack Murphy in the halfback positions.
The in-form backline remains unchanged from last week. Zac Ward starts on the left wing after his double against Connacht, with the league’s leading try-scorer, Werner Kok, providing his threat and energy from the right wing.
Stuart McCloskey and James Hume form the midfield centre partnership. Jacob Stockdale completes the backfield at fullback.
“It’s going to be a massive test for us,” said Murphy.
“We know that whatever Munster team turns up, it’s going to be a very difficult task.”
See below for Friday’s teams and Prediction!
Friday, January 2:
Ulster v Munster
(Affidea Stadium, Belfast – Kick-off: 19.45 IRE & UK, 20.45 CET, 21.45 SAST)
Prediction
Rugby365: Ulster by seven points.
Ulster: 15 Jacob Stockdale, 14 Werner Kok, 13 James Hume, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Bryn Ward, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Cormac Izuchukwu, 5 Joe Hopes, 4 Iain Henderson (captain), 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Tom Stewart, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Eric O’Sullivan, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Harry Sheridan, 20 David McCann, 21 Conor McKee, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Jude Postlethwaite.
Munster: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Dan Kelly, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Paddy Patterson, 8 Alex Kendellen, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Tom Ahern, 5 Fineen Wycherley, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 Diarmuid Barron (captain), 1 Josh Wycherley.
Replacements: 16 Lee Barron, 17 Jeremy Loughman, 18 Conor Bartley, 19 Jack O’Donoghue, 20 Brian Gleeson, 21 Ethan Coughlan, 22 Tony Butler, 23 Seán O’Brien.
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland), Sam Holt (Ireland)
TMO: Dave Sutherland (Scotland)
