Chris Henry and Jamie Smith are included in Ulster’s squad for Saturday’s Magners League trip to Italy to face Aironi.
Number eight Henry (pictured), who toured with Ireland in the summer, missed the opening night win over the Ospreys but is included for the first time this season, while full back Smith comes in after an eye injury.
However, coach Brian McLaughlin must do without Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris, who is rested as part of the IRFU's player management programme. Hooker Rory Best will also be missing after suffering some soft tissue irritation to his neck. He is also rested.
South African BJ Botha is another absentee, but he should be back soon after linking up with the province again following the conclusion of his involvement in the Tri-Nations with South Africa.
Aironi gave a reasonable showing in going down 33-17 to Munster in their maiden game in the league last week and McLaughln is expecting nothing easy in what will be the new boys’ first home game in the competition.
"We had a great performance on Friday against the Ospreys, lots of pride and passion but we have to build on that and go to Italy to get something,” said the Ulster coach.
"This is Aironi's first home game in the Magners League. They will be very agressive and physical, they played exceptionally well against Munster last weekend.
"They have a good pack that is very well directed by Mercier. They have signed very well, key for them is Bortolami in the lineout."
Ulster squad:
Forwards: Tom Court, Paddy McAllister, Bryan Young, Declan Fitzpatrick, Adam Macklin, Neil McComb, Nigel Brady, Andi Kyriacou, Johann Muller, Tim Barker, Chris Henry, Ryan Caldwell, Willie Faloon, TJ Anderson, Robbie Diack, Pedrie Wannenburg.
Backs: Adam D'Arcy, David McIlwaine, Nevin Spence, Tommy Seymour, Jonny Shiels, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Paddy Wallace, Ian Humphreys, Niall O'Connor, Ian Porter, Paul Marshall, Jamie Smith.