Dan McFarland has high hopes for David McCann’s Ulster progress

With Leinster ending Ulster’s hopes of reaching the final off a 38-19 victory at Kingspan Stadium last Saturday, the game against the Dragons is a dead rubber.

Ireland U20s captain David McCann is handed his first start for the province, being named at blindside flanker in the all-changed back row.

Nick Timoney keeps his place but shifts from the blindside flanker to No8 while Marcell Coetzee and Jordi Murphy are replaced by McCann and Sean Reidy.

McCann made his Ulster debut off the bench against Benetton in the opening game of the season.

He has captained Ireland U19s and U20s as well as wearing the skipper’s armband for Ulster A.

McCann recently signed his first professional contract with Ulster and coach McFarland feels the former RBAI pupil has a big future.

“David is a promising young back-rower who, at 20 years old, has already shown his leadership qualities by captaining the Irish U20s and the Ulster ‘A’ team this season,” said McFarland. “A dynamic ball-carrier with a good footballing brain, we are confident that David will continue to develop into an excellent player.” Michael Lowry is given the chance to stake his claim at out half.

Lowry won three Schools’ Cups at No10 but with Billy Burns and Ian Madigan fighting it out for the out half berth, Lowry has switched to full back and made the No15 shirt his own with a fine string of performances.

Lowry is partnered at half back by Alby Mathewson.

Centre Stuart Moore makes his first start since the win against Connacht at the Sportsground, replacing James Hum in the centre.

The Dragons have only won four of their 13 games but include three British Lions in Richard Hibbard, Ross Moriarty and Jamie Roberts.

Ulster: (15-9) Jacob Stockdale, Craig Gilroy, Stewart Moore, Stuart McCloskey, Rob Lyttle, Michael Lowry, Alby Mathewson. (1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, John Andrew, Ross Kane, Alan O’Connor (C), Kieran Treadwell, David McCann, Sean Reidy, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Brad Roberts, Callum Reid, Gareth Milasinovich, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea, David Shanahan, Ian Madigan, Ethan McIlroy.