Ulster team named for Connacht away

McLaughlin has made three changes to the pack. Tom Court replaces Bryan Young as loose head prop. In the 2nd row, Dan Tuohy returns from injury at No 4, pushing Neil McComb to the bench, while Robbie Diack returns to the No8 shirt.

In the backs, the only change is the return of Paddy Wallace, who will captain the side, replacing Ian Whitten, in the centre, Whitten moves to the bench.

Ulster Team
(1-8) Tom Court, Andy Kyriacou, Brendon Botha, Dan Tuohy, Ed O'Donoghue, Chris Henry, Willie Faloon, Robbie Diack

(15-9) Clinton Schifcofske, Timoci Nagusa, Darren Cave, Paddy Wallace (Captain), Simon Danielli, Ian Humphreys, Isaac Boss

(16-22) Nigel Brady, Declan Fitzpatrick, Neil McComb, TJ Anderson, Paul Marshall, Ian Whitten, Andrew Trimble

Ulster Rugby's Operations Director David Humphreys commented: "We have been saying all along that it's about winning, particularly at Ravenhill. That's where we need to improve.

"The Magners League is very competitive and you don't get too many chances, which is why you have to take those that do come your way, be they opportunities to score tries, kick penalties or conversions or drop goals. You have to put those away.

"The players know that, of course. They're very disappointed with the result last weekend. They played well and they know they should have won. That's what makes that defeat harder to take.

"But the bottom line is that when you play well for lengthy periods there has to be something to show for it."

Captain Paddy Wallace, commented on the task ahead of the Ulster men this Friday in Galway: "We know the task ahead of us in Galway. Connacht are a very competitive side, particularly at the start of the season, and they showed just how hard they can be to defeat in the Sportsground with that win over Cardiff Blues last weekend.

"They will have the bit in their teeth after that victory and they are motivated further by trying to get into the Heineken Cup for the first time.

"We stand in their way. Connacht look at us as their nearest targets in achieving that from all the Provinces involved so they will really be gunning for us on Friday night.

"We are well aware of that, well aware of their motivation and we know we need to put in another big performance to keep the winning run we have had against them."