Ulster's O'Toole excited to face bolstered Bulls pack

Tom O'Toole made his Ulster debut in April 2018

Ulster prop Tom O'Toole said he is excited to face a "nearly fully strong Bulls side" in Saturday's United Rugby Championship game in Belfast (19:45 BST).

The Bulls have recalled 13 Springboks to their squad after starting the season with wins over Ospreys and Leinster in Pretoria.

Meanwhile, Ulster have had a longer break since their opening victory over the Dragons after last week's fixture against Edinburgh was postponed because of Storm Amy.

"It'll be exciting to come up against the challenge of a nearly fully strong Bulls side," O'Toole told BBC Sport NI.

"The Bulls have performed really well over the last couple of weeks and hopefully we will be able to put on one of our strongest teams with the guys we have available.

"They were in the [URC] final last year for a reason, and they have really physical set of forwards, are set-piece orientated and their backs are dynamic, really quick and really dangerous over transition."

Ulster are set to welcome wing Robert Baloucoune and prop Eric O'Sullivan back from injury ahead of this weekend's clash, but backs Michael Lowry and Jacob Stockdale are doubts.

Richie Murphy's side welcome the URC leaders to the Affidea Stadium before travelling to South Africa to face the Sharks and Lions in their final two games before the autumn break.

"It's a big few weeks coming up," the 27-year-old continued.

"We have put in a lot of good work over pre-season, so we're excited for the challenge, and it'll put us in good position to see where we are.

"Three South African teams in a row is a good challenge to see where you are."