Following narrow defeats to Leicester Tigers and European champions Toulon, Ulster return to GUINNESS PRO12 action by hosting Newport Gwent Dragons at the Kingspan Stadium.

Head coach Neil Doak has made seven changes from the Toulon game with Stuart Olding, released from the Ireland camp, starting at full-back.

Louis Ludik moves to the right wing and Peter Nelson is on the left, while Stuart McCloskey and Darren Cave make up the centre partnership.

Callum Black, at loose-head, and Wiehahn Herbst are either side of Rob Herring in the front row, while the second row is unchanged.

Ross is at blindside, with Sean Reidy making his competitive debut for Ulster at openside and Roger Wilson captaining the team from No.8.

The Ulstermen have lost just once in the GUINNESS PRO12 this season - at Zebre in round four - and just once at home in the competition in their last 13 matches.

No Welsh region has won in Ulster since Ospreys were the visitors in February 2013 and Ross is determined to ensure that is still the case on Sunday morning.

"Our domestic form has generally been good but Europe has been disappointing and we've got a lot of catching up to do," he said.

"We have to show a response this weekend, especially for the supporters. They were great again on Saturday against Toulon - even in the latter stages when the game had moved away from us a bit, they were still very vocal.

"That's one thing I've noticed - the supporters are great, but we need to get back to winning ways in order to repay their faith."

The Dragons have made a slower start to the GUINNESS PRO12 season than their hosts, with a 33-15 triumph over Treviso in round four their sole victory.

They are also searching for a first away win in the competition since November 2013 and have beaten Ulster just once in their last five meetings.

Director of rugby Lyn Jones has also made seven changes to his side, with Jason Tovey starting at full-back and new signing Rhys Williams joining Ashley Smith in the centres.

Boris Stankovich and Thomas Rhys Thomas return to join tight-head Dan Way in the front row, with locks James Thomas and Rynard Landman, the latter taking on the role of captain, behind them.

And there are two changes in the back row, where Lewis Evans is joined by James Benjamin and No.8 Andy Powell.

"I am looking forward to it," said Williams, who will make his Dragons debut after joining from Carmarthen Quins. "It will be a big challenge at Ulster but I can't wait and feel I am ready for it.

"I'd like to think that I am a direct centre and that I put my tackles in, I've played 12 most of my career but can also slot in at 13."

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At Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm. Live on BBC NI/S4C
Referee: Matteo Liperini (FIR, 8th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Nigel Correll, Paul Haycock (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Wayne Sheridan (IRFU)
TMO: Simon McDowell (IFRU)