Five changes for Ulster ahead of Connacht clash

Ulster Head Coach, Mark Anscombe, has made five personnel changes and two positional changes to the team that beat the Dragons at Ravenhill last weekend for Friday night’s game against Connacht at the Sportsground (kick-off 19.45).

Jared Payne has recovered from the ankle knock that he suffered against Saracens and starts at full-back.

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 scum 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.