Best and Muller return for Connacht clash

The return of Ireland hooker Rory Best and club captain Johann Muller represent two of five changes Mark Anscombe has made to the Ulster starting team for tomorrow's RaboDirect PRO12 derby against Connacht at Ravenhill (7.05pm).

Best has returned to fitness and will play for his province for the first time since the Heineken Cup final in May. Declan Fitzpatrick, Stephen Ferris and Paddy Wallace have also been called into the starting XV.

It promises to be an emotional occasion as it will mark Ulster's first home game since the tragic passing of Nevin Spence.

The fixture will also see fellow international Tommy Bowe line up for Ulster at Ravenhill for the first time in four years, following his spell with Ospreys.

Fitzpatrick and Best are joined in the front row by Tom Court, with Muller back to partner Dan Tuohy in the second row. Ferris will play alongside Chris Henry and Nick Williams in an impressive looking back row.

Centre Michael Allen, has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury in the process of scoring against Cardiff at the weekend.

Darren Cave will move to outside centre in his place, allowing Paddy Wallace to slot in at inside centre. Paul Marshall and Paddy Wallace will continue their half back partnership, while the back three of Bowe, Andrew Trimble and Jared Payne is also unchanged.

Ulster (v. Connacht): J Payne; T Bowe, D Cave, P Wallace, A Trimble; P Jackson, P Marshall; T Court, R Best, D Fitzpatrick, J Muller (c), D Tuohy, S Ferris, C Henry, N Williams.

Replacements: R Herring, C Black, J Afoa, L Stevenson, M McComish, M Heaney, L Marshall, C Gilroy.

[comment]We will be covering the game in our live blog from 7pm[/comment]