Sexton comes in for Ulster

The inclusion of hooker Matt Sexton at the expense of Paul Shields is the only change coach Alan Solomons has made to Ulster's starting line-up for the visit of Cardiff to Ravenhill on Friday.

The Celtic League leaders will be all out to make it six wins in a row with the in-form Ryan Constable in the centre and Adam Larkin's steadying influence at fly-half.

Ulster (v Cardiff): B Cunningham; J Topping, R Constable, S Stewart, T Howe; A Larkin, K Campbell; B Young, M Sexton, R Moore, M Mustchin, M McCullough, A Ward (capt), N Best, T McWhirter.

Replacements: P Shields, R McCormack, R Frost, R Wilson, R Spee, Seamus Mallon, S Young.