Heineken Champions Cup: Ulster make eight changes for game with holders La Rochelle

The return of captain Iain Henderson, John Cooney and Rory Sutherland represent three of eight changes to the Ulster starting team for the Heineken Champions Cup game against La Rochelle.

Rob Lyttle, Tom Stewart, Marty Moore and Sam Carter also come in following last week’s 39-0 hammering by Sale.

Jacob Stockdale and James Hume are injured and Andy Warwick suspended for Saturday’s game against the holders.

The game has been moved to Dublin from Belfast after there were “concerns over the safety of the playing surface” at Kingspan Stadium after freezing conditions across Northern Ireland.

Hume was forced to come off for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) during last week’s heavy defeat by the Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Cooney and Henderson are available again after they underwent HIA protocols following the Irish province’s United Rugby Championship loss to Leinster.

Scotland international prop Sutherland makes his first start for Ulster as he returns to action after sustaining an injury on international duty in November.

Warwick is missing after being handed a three-week suspension for a dangerous tackle on Manu Tuilagi during the defeat by Sale.

Rob Herring and Kieran Treadwell drop to the replacements’ bench.

Defending champions La Rochelle saw off Northampton Saints 46-12 in their opening fixture last weekend.

Ulster: Lowry; McIlroy, Marshall, McCloskey, Lyttle; Burns, Cooney; Sutherland, Stewart, Moore; O’Connor, Carter; Henderson (capt), Timoney, Vermeulen.

Replacements: Herring, O’Sullivan, Milasinovich, Treadwell, McCann, Doak, Moore, Moxham.

La Rochelle: Dulin; Leyds, Seuteni, Danty, Boudehent; Hastoy, Kerr-Barlow; Wardi, Bourgarit, Atonio; Sazy, Skelton; Bourdeau, Tanga, Alldritt.

Replacements: Lespiauco, Paiva, Sclavi, Dillane, Boudehent, Berjon, Botia, Rhule.