Solomons makes three changes

Alan Solomons' starting line-up for the 3rd round Heineken Cup tie against Biarritz features three changes from the side that defeated Glasgow in the Celtic League quarter-final last weekend.

Ryan Constable replaces Shane Stewart who was not considered for selection as the result of a problem with his ankle, while Andy Ward returns at No 8 with Tony McWhirter dropping to the bench.

Gary Longwell, who came through this morning's practice with no effects from the shoulder injury he sustained while playing for Ireland against Argentina, has been named as partner to Jeremy Davidson in the second row with Mark Blair moving to the bench.

Gary's progress will be monitored closely this week and should he suffer any niggles with his shoulder then Mark Blair will move up to be replaced by Matt McCullough on the bench.

Despite leaving the field injured last weekend, Matt Sexton returns to the side and Paul Shields is benched.

In selecting Sexton, Solomons has gone for experience over youth: "Matt is a much stronger scrummager and we're up against a very strong scrum. He's older, bigger and more experienced.

"Shields is a terrific player, I have said time and again that I have no doubt he will play for Ireland some day, but he is young and in my experience, tight forwards, particularly in the front row, do not mature at 22, 23 or 24."

Solomons is not under-estimating the French champions: "They're the number one side in France at the moment, they are very well balanced, the have ability up front and out wide. They're a good side...but so are we. It starts up front and our pack can stand up to any pack, we do not fear them."

The side have been buoyed by the win in Glasgow last Saturday and Solomons agrees that mentally it has been a big plus coming into a tough match.

Until the defeat by Ulster, Glasgow hadn't lost a game at Hughenden this season and had taken the scalps of some fancied sides including premiership team the Sale Sharks.

That said, Solomons and his side are under no illusions about the task ahead of them this Friday where a win is vital.

"To remain in the competition we must win our home games" said the coach

"However, I have no doubt that we are in the strongest pool of the competition, particularly with Northampton's recent win over champions Leicester at Welford Road and Cardiff now in the semi-final stages of the Celtic League."

Ulster:15 Bryn Cunningham; 14 James Topping; 13 Ryan Constable; 12 Johnny Bell; 11 Scott Young; 10 David Humphreys; 9 Neil Doak; 1 Justin Fitzpatrick; 2 Matt Sexton; 3 Robbie Kempson; 4 Gary Longwell; 5 Jeremy Davidson; 6 Warren Brosnihan; 7 Neil McMillan; 8 Andy Ward (Captain)

Replacements: 16 Simon Best; 17 Paul Shields; 18 Mark Blair; 19 Tony McWhirter; 20 Kieran Campbell; 21 Adam Larkin; 22 Sheldon Coulter.