With Ulster, who defeated Sale Sharks 22-11 last week, currently fourth in the URC, McFarland makes three changes for the visit of the reigning champions, who are second.

Loosehead prop Eric O’Sullivan is recalled to the front row, while in the backs inside centre Stewart Moore replaces Ireland-bound Stuart McCloskey and Ben Moxham comes in for wing Jacob Stockdale.

For DHL Stormers, who also qualified for the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 by beating ASM Clermont Auvergne 30-16, prop Ali Vermaak is set to play his 50th match in what will be the South African side’s first-ever appearance at Kingspan Stadium.

Vermaak’s return is one of numerous changes from last weekend. He is joined in the front row by hooker JJ Kotze and Brok Harris, while lock Ben-Jason Dixon is also recalled – as are No.8 Evan Roos and flanker Junior Pokomela.

In the backs, Jean-Luc du Plessis starts at fly-half for the first time this season and will have Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu next to him in midfield. Clayton Blommetjies returns at full-back and Cornel Smit on the left wing.

Meanwhile, Vodacom Bulls also make wholesale changes for their URC game at Scarlets after scraping into the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 following their 31-7 drubbing at Lyon.

With Springboks Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie rested, Johan Goosen slots in at full-back and Stravino Jacobs lines up on the left wing. Chris Smith and Zak Burger are the half-backs, while Harold Vorster and Lionel Mapoe combine in midfield.

Lock Ruan Nortje returns to lead the team from the pack, where Gerhard Steenekamp, Johann Grobbelaar and Mornay Smith link up in a new front row, and No.8 Elrigh Louw is restored to the back row.

Ulster Rugby head coach Dan McFarland keeps changes to a minimum as the Irish province bid to build on their qualification for the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 by beating DHL Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on Friday night.