Solomons makes one change for Stade

Coach Alan Solomons has made just one change for Ulster's crucial Heineken Cup home tie with Stade Francais on Friday evening.

Solomons named the same side that started against Gwent Dragons except for the inclusion of Shane Stewart for the injured Ryan Constable.

“Against Stade, it will be a case of going back to basics, because our set-piece play against the Dragons was poor,” said Ulster coach Alan Solomons.

“Stade Francais are a star-studded side, and it is going to be a massive step up for us physically.

"We just cannot afford to play like we did against the Dragons.”

Stade have never won a European tie on Irish soil, and skipper David Auradou admitted: “We are in a difficult pool, with no margin for error at home, and we have to get some good away results in order to have a chance of qualifying.

“We will have to throw everything into the hat on Friday night in an attempt to get a win, or at least a bonus point for finishing within seven points. We have to get to grips with Ulster at all costs.”

Ulster (v Stade Francais): B Cunningham; J Topping, S Stewart, P Steinmetz, T Howe; D Humphreys, N Doak; R Kempson, M Sexton, S Best, R Frost, G Longwell, A Ward, N Best, R Wilson.

Replacements: P Shields, R Moore, M Mustchin, T McWhirter, K Campbell, A Larkin, P Wallace.