After a 39-37 victory over the Emirates Lions back in October, Dan McFarland’s men were preparing to do the double when illness struck the travelling squad. With Ulster now sat in third position in the BKT United Rugby Championship table, the province will be looking to bring home the maximum number of points from this weekend’s re-arranged game.

The Sharks, currently seventh in the league table with 38 points, will be looking to back-up their 7-29 win over the Lions away from home last weekend, and continue the run that has seen them win both of their previous two URC matches against Irish provinces on home soil.

Despite Ulster coming away the victors from both fixtures against South African opposition so far this season, and claiming the win when these two sides faced each other at Kingspan Stadium last season, Assistant Coach, Dan Soper, knows his side will face tough opposition in the ‘Shark tank’:

“We are physically preparing for them, and we aren’t using the travel or heat as an excuse. Last week, the Sharks overpowered the Lions, and made it clear they have very dangerous powerful players. It’s going to be an excellent challenge for us.”

World Cup-winning Springbok to captain Ulster

Springbok Duane Vermeulen will lead the Ulster men in the Number Eight jersey in a starting line-up that sees him joined in the back row by two physical and versatile players in Nick Timoney and Jordi Murphy.

The side, which can expect to face challenging temperatures, sees Alan O’Connor paired in the second row with Academy player, Harry Sheridan, who scored his first try for Ulster last weekend against Glasgow in Scotstoun Stadium.

In a change to the front row, Rory Sutherland comes in at loosehead prop, while Jeff Toomaga-Allen, who scored a try the last time out against South African opposition in the URC, retains his place at tighthead, with John Andrew set to add to his tally of over 100 caps for the province at hooker.

Scrum-half John Cooney, who racked-up 10 points when Ulster beat the Sharks last season, will be looking to repeat this performance, with Jake Flannery coming in at fly-half. Flannery was responsible for a try and four conversions in a win over the Airlink Pumas when he was last in South Africa with Emerging Ireland.

Known for his speed, Aaron Sexton, forms the back three alongside Ulster stalwart, Craig Gilroy, and Mike Lowry who scored a try last time out against Sharks, and was named Player of the Match in the province’s memorable win at Ellis Park in Johannesburg back in October.

Graduate of the Emerging Ireland tour, Stewart Moore, completes the starting line-up in a centre partnership with Luke Marshall.

Forward cover comes from Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Gareth Milasinovich, Cormac Izuchukwu and Dave McCann. On the bench for the backline are Dave Shanahan, Ian Madigan and Ethan McIlroy.

Ulster team to play Cell C Sharks, BKT United Rugby Championship Round 6, Saturday 25 February at Hollywoodbets Kings Park (KO 12pm UK/Ire time), live on ViaPlay and URC.tv.

(15-9): Mike Lowry, Craig Gilroy, Luke Marshall, Stewart Moore, Aaron Sexton, Jake Flannery, John Cooney;

(1-8): Rory Sutherland, John Andrew, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Alan O’Connor, Harry Sheridan, Jordi Murphy, Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen (Captain).

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Gareth Milasinovich, Cormac Izuchukwu, Dave McCann, Dave Shanahan, Ian Madigan, Ethan McIlroy.