Best to make first start of the season

Rory Best will make his seasonal debut for Ulster when they face Connacht in a RaboDirect Pro 12 derby at Ravenhill on Friday night.

Best will be thrown straight into the mix from the start in a side that will be bulging with internationals with Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble, Tom Court, Dan Tuohy, Chris Henry and Stephen Ferris also expected to feature in the starting line-up. Johann Muller, who pulled out of last week’s seven-try 48-19 thrashing of Cardiff, returns to lead the side.

It has been Ulster’s most positive start for decades remaining unbeaten in seven games including the pre-season friendlies. Sitting with a one-point lead at the top of the Pro12 with a game in hand and with all the big guns itching for more action, it has given coach Mark Anscombe and his backroom staff a pleasant headache regarding selection.