"Brendon has been training with the Sharks for the last few weeks so I have no concerns over his fitness levels, he has impressed us all at training this week and I am delighted to name him in the side. It is important to hit the ground running and I feel we have picked a strong side for the first game."
Williams continued, "We are ready for the Scarlets, I have mentioned this week in the media that we have had selection issues in that we have a great squad to choose from, that is something I am really pleased about."
"Scarlets are a good side and have recruited well over the summer, they will be keen to lay down the law at Ravenhill as we meet them again in the Heineken Cup in December, but we are determined to get our season off to a good start and build that confidence in the team up"
Williams has made several changes from his side that were defeated by a strong Worcester team over a week ago at Ravenhill. The front row is transformed with Ulster stalwart Justin Fitzpatrick named at loose head, Ulster Captain Rory Best at hooker and new Ulster signing Botha at tight head.
In the second row Italian lock Carlo Del Fava partners new recruit Ed O'Donoghue, the back row sees Robbie Diack return at 8 with McCullough and Dawson named as the two flankers.
Isaac Boss and Paddy Wallace are named as the half back pairing with former Australia A player Clinton Schifcofske named at full back. Ireland star Andrew Trimble starts on the right wing with Fijian International Timoci Nagusa named on the left wing. The centre pairing of strong Scotsman Rob Dewey and speedy youngster Darren Cave will no doubt cause Scarlets problems.
Tickets will be available on the gate from 6pm on match night.
Ulster Team (15-9) C Schifcofske; A Trimble, D Cave, R Dewey, T Nagusa; P Wallace, l Boss; (1-8) J Fitzpatrick; R Best(Capt), B Botha, C Del Fava, E O'Donoghue, M McCullough, K Dawson, R Diack
Replacements (16-22) N Brady, T Court, R Caldwell, D Pollock, C Willis, N O'Connor, B Cunningham
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