In Best's absence the captaincy moves to Ulster lock and Italian International Carlo Del Fava, and Nigel Brady steps into replace Best as hooker. Bryn Cunningham replaces Clinton Schifcofske as full back, with Schifcofske moving out to the wing. Andrew Trimble moves into the centre to partner Rob Dewey, which means Darren Cave drops out of the squad.
Justin Fitzpatrick replaces Tom Court on the starting XV, Court is named on the bench. Also on the replacements bench is Ulster and Ireland back row, Stephen Ferris, who makes a welcome return to the Ulster team for his first competitive game of the 08/09 season, after recovering from a back injury picked up in the summer.
Ulster's next home game is on Friday 3rd October, kick off 7.30pm, when Ulster Rugby face Edinburgh Rugby, in their first Magners League clash against the Scottish. Tickets are currently on sale at www.ulsterrugby.com, from the Ravenhill ticket office and via the ticket line 028 9032 222 Option 2.
Tickets are also on sale for Ulster's first Heineken Cup match against Stade Francais on Saturday 11th October, kick off 3.30pm and are once again available via the Ulster Rugby website, Ravenhill ticket office and ticket line.
Ulster Team: (1-9) Justin Fitzpatrick; Nigel Brady; Brendon Botha; Carlo Del Fava (Capt); Ryan Caldwell; Matt McCullough; Kieron Dawson; Robbie Diack (9-15) Isaac Boss; Niall O'Connor; Clinton Schifcofske; Andrew Trimble; Rob Dewey; Timoci Nagusa; Bryn Cunningham
Replacements: (15-22) Stuart Phillpott; Tom Court; Ed O'Donoghue; Stephen Ferris; Paul Marshall; Ian Humphreys; Paul Steinmetz
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