Chris Henry, Andrew Trimble and Paddy Jackson, who were rested against the Dragons, also return to the side.
In the only other personnel change, Lewis Stevenson starts in the second-row, with Iain Henderson named as a substitute.
The positional changes see Tommy Bowe switch from the right wing to the left, and Ruan Pienaar moving from out-half to scrum half.
Johann Muller and John Afoa are named on a strong bench, as is Paul Marshall who will make his 100th appearance for the Province if he comes on.
Ulster XV and replacements to face Connacht, RaboDirect PRO12, The Sportsground, Friday 19th April 2013 (kick off 19.45);
(15-9): J Payne, A Trimble, D Cave, S Olding, T Bowe, P Jackson, R Pienaar; (1-8): T Court, R Best (c), R Lutton, L Stevenson, D Tuohy, R Diack, C Henry, N Williams;
Replacements (16-23): R Herring, C Black, J Afoa, J Muller, I Henderson, P Marshall, M Allen, P Nelson.
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