Preview: Ulster v Connacht

Two changes have been made to the Ulster line-up who gained victory over Edinburgh for the dead rubber clash with Connacht.

Only two changes have been made to the Ulster starting XV who gained victory over Edinburgh for the dead rubber clash with Connacht.

In the pack, Chris Henry replaces an injured Stephen Ferris as blind-side flanker while in the backs Ian Humphreys starts the match at fly-half, with Niall O'Connor on the bench for the last match of the 2009/10 season.

Commenting on the fixture, Ulster Coach Brian McLaughlin said: “We will be looking for a win first and foremost, that is the most important thing for us. We want to build on our performance against Edinburgh and achieve back to back wins to end the season on a high.

“We have all talked about our disappointment this season, mainly that after the Bath game, we didn't kick-on and achieve what we are capable of. But, we did have a smashing performance last weekend and want a strong positive win at Ravenhill, on Friday, to end the season for both ourselves and our supporters.

“Connacht are coming here full of confidence and its Michael's last game, so they will also be chasing the win. It will be a really tough game of rugby, and an exciting finally.”

Bradley has made four changes for his last game in charge: Brian Tuohy takes over on the right-wing, Ronan Loughney starts at loosehead, Bernie Upton returns in the second row and Mike McComish will start at openside flanker.

Form: Ulster have won their last seven clashes with Connacht whilst Connacht have not won in Belfast since November 1960. Ulster's five game losing run came to an end last time out when they beat Edinburgh at Murrayfield, 37-25. Ulster are winless in their last three games at Ravenhill since beating Edinburgh 21-13 in the European Cup on 15 January. Connacht have slipped to 17 straight defeats away from home in the Magners League since beating Newport Gwent Dragons 13-11 at Rodney Parade on 18 April 2008.

The teams:

Ulster: 15 Jamie Smith, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Ian Whitten, 11 Simon Danielli, 10 Ian Humphreys, 9 Paul Marshall, 8 Robbie Diack, 7 Willie Faloon, 6 Chris Henry, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Ed O'Donoghue, 3 BJ Both, 2 Rory Best (c), 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Andi Kyriacou, 17 Bryan Young, 18 Ryan Caldwell, 19 TJ Anderson, 20 Isaac Boss, 21 Niall O'Connor, 22 Timoci Nagusa.

Connacht: 15 Gavin Duffy, 14 Brian Tuohy, 13 Niva Ta'auso, 12 Aidan Wynne, 11 Fionn Carr, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Frank Murphy, 8 George Naoupu, 7 Mike McComish, 6 John Muldoon (capt), 5 Michael McCarthy, 4 Bernie Upton, 3 Jamie Hagan, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Ronan Loughney.
Replacements: 16 Adrian Flavin, 17 Robbie Morris, 18 Adrian Browne, 19 Jonny O'Connor, 20 Conor O'Loughlin, 21 Miah Nikora, 22 Troy Nathan, 23 Robbie Morris.

Date: Friday, May 7
Venue: Ravenhill
Kick-off: 19.05 BST
Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU)