Passion and performance key for Ulster, insists McFarland

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins, who has started his reign after taking over from Andy Friend with home wins over Ospreys and Glasgow Warriors, knows that there has been very little between these two sides in recent seasons.

WE MEET AGAIN: Shamus Hurley-Langton of Connacht celebrates at the final whistle of the United Rugby Championship Quarter-Final match between Ulster and Connachlast season. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

There has been plenty of history between Connacht and Ulster in their 42 league meetings in the professional era — not to mention all that went before then — but the two sides will not be looking beyond the happenings of the past year as they both put their winning starts on the line in the first Irish derby of the season at the Sportsground on Saturday evening (7.35pm).

Ulster were the last visiting team to win at the Sportsground when they triumphed 22-20 two days before Christmas last year.