Iain Henderson captains Ulster for Harlequins trip

Jacob Stockdale returns on the wing after impressing for Ireland in November Tests

Iain Henderson will captain Ulster against Harlequins. Photograph: Oisin Keniry/Inpho
Iain Henderson will captain Ulster against Harlequins. Photograph: Oisin Keniry/Inpho

European Champions Cup, Harlequins v Ulster, The Stoop, Sunday December 10th, 1.0pm (BT Sport 3)

Iain Henderson will captain Ulster as they travel to play Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.

Les Kiss’s side won their opening Champions Cup fixture against Wasps but are looking to bounce back from a 41-17 thumping at the hands of La Rochelle last time out.

And the talismanic Henderson leads the province from number six, with Rory Best ruled out due to a foot infection.

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Jacob Stockdale, who was hugely impressive during Ireland’s November campaign, starts on the wing - and he is joined by Craig Gilroy and Charles Piutau in a powerful back three.

John Cooney and Christian Lealiifano start at halfback, with Stuart McCloskey and Tommy Bowe retained in midfield.

Ulster: Charles Piutau; Craig Gilroy, Tommy Bowe, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Christian Lealiifano, John Cooney; Callum Black, Rob Herring, Wiehahn Herbst, Alan O'Connor, Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (c), Sean Reidy, Nick Timoney. Replacements: John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Ross Kane, Matt Rea, Chris Henry, Paul Marshall, Peter Nelson, Louis Ludik.

Harlequins: Mike Brown (c); Charlie Walker, Alofa Alofa, Jamie Roberts, Tim Visser; Marcus Smith, Danny Care; Joe Marler, Elia Elia, Kyle Sinckler, George Merrick, Charlie Matthews, Renaldo Bothma, Chris Robshaw, Mat Luamanu. Replacements: Dave Ward, Lewis Boyce, Phil Swainston, Dino Lamb, Archie White, Ian Prior, Winston Stanley, Ross Chisholm.