Williams to give youth a chance against Connacht

Ulster coach Matt Williams is giving many of the Ulster Academy graduates, such as Ian Whitten and Chris Henry, a chance to show their worth in the Magners League against Connacht at The Sportsground on Friday evening.

"We have a lot of respect for Connacht, they are a good side and play a hard game of rugby, but we are more determined than ever and we are going out to win," he said.

"We are on track for a mid-table finish to the season, and will be after maximum points from our last two fixtures to secure this."

ULSTER (v Connacht): C Schifcofske; T Nagusa, D Cave, I Whitten, S Danielli; N O'Connor, P Marshall; BJ Botha, R Best (capt), T Court, E O'Donoghue, R Caldwell, S Ferris, C Henry, R Diack.

Replacements: N Brady, B Young, C Del Fava, M McCullough; I Boss, I Humphreys, Dewey.