Such is the strength of the Warriors squad that Townsend can afford to leave Scotland internationals Moray Low, Ruaridh Jackson, Ryan Grant, John Barclay and Chris Cusiter on the bench, although the latter two are carrying knocks, while new signings Angus Macdonald and Taylor Paris don't even make the bench.

Perhaps the most interesting selection was that of 21-year-old Duncan Weir at fly-half in preference to established international Jackson.

And Townsend maintains his selection of Weir is a vote of confidence after a glowing pre-season rather than the start of a rotation policy.

"It's Duncan's jersey until it's someone else's," he said. "I was really pleased with Duncan last week and he's looking fit.

"This is the best available team and we have put this team out to win this game, with players that are on form and who can play the game we want to play against Ulster, relevant to how they defend and our strengths.

"It's slightly different for those two [Cusiter and Barclay]. Chris hasn't played any rugby yet so we can't make judgments on what they're doing until we see them playing.

"But we know that, over the season, we're going to have to play between 40 and 50 players, so everyone will have an opportunity, and if you play well you'll have a good chance of holding on to that jersey."

Al Kellock captains the Warriors in the second row where he partners Tom Ryder while Townsend opts for a young, abrasive back row in the form of Ron Harley, Chris Fusaro and Ryan Wilson.

In the backline, Sean Lamont starts his first game since returning the club on the wing while Tommy Seymour occupies the other wide berth as he faces his former club.

Last season Ulster beat the Warriors 28-14 in the first game of last season at Ravenhill, where the Warriors have not won in three years, but Seymour maintains he would love to get one over on his former club.

He said: "It is always interesting going back there and I want to make sure I stick it to the crowd.

"I remember Tommy Bowe left them in complete silence by scoring when he went back there with the Ospreys - and I want to emulate him.

"Nothing would please me more than making sure we put one over Ulster."

Like Townsend, Mark Anscombe is taking the reins at Ulster for the first time but unlike his Warriors counterpart he is not selecting from a position of strength having to do without Irish internationals Tommy Bowe, Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble, Rory Best, Dan Tuohy, Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry and Roger Wilson while Ruan Pienaar is also unavailable.

In their absence Sean Doyle, Nick Williams, Rob Herring and Michael Heaney make their debuts with full-back Jared Payne making his first start since rupturing his Achilles last October.

However Anscombe is able to call on a wealth of experience from the bench including Ireland internationals Court, Declan Fitzpatrick, Paul Marshall and Darren Cave and he admits they may have a vital role to play in the match.

"They have named a strong side as we expected and they will provide a formidable test. They have brought a few internationals into the starting line-up and have another couple on the bench," he said.

"We have a strong bench too but we will see how the game pans out. Our Internationals on the bench haven't played much rugby or had much contact but if we need to use them we will. I'm really excited about this game, hopefully we can start the season off with a good win."

At Ravenhill, 7.05pm.

Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR, 8th competition game)

Assistant Referees: Dudley Phillips, Brian MacNeice (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: John West (IRFU)
TMO: Peter Ferguson (IRFU)

Live on BBC NI and BBC ALBA