Ulster expecting intense derby battle

Andrew Trimble knows what to expect when he travels to the Sportsground this evening for the big RaboDirect Pro12 derby battle where there is more than bragging rights up for grabs.

The abrasive wing is one of five changes from the side that hammered the Dragons last week. Trimble, one of Ulster’s most consistent players this season, is named on the right wing, with Tommy Bowe moving to the left and Jared Payne and Paddy Jackson returning in the backs. Chris Henry and Lewis Stevenson the two main changes up front. Skipper Johann Muller is named in a strong bench which includes John Afoa and Iain Henderson.

Trimble though is cagey about his trip to Galway and, from experience, knows what’s ahead, particularly after Connacht defeated Ulster 26-21 last year at the same venue.