Preview: Ulster v Leinster

Ravenhill has been sold out for Monday's festive Magners League fixture between Ulster and Leinster.

Ravenhill has been sold out for Monday's festive Magners League fixture between Ulster and Leinster.

Amongst the Ulster forwards there is just one change of personnel from the side which defeated Bath at The Rec last weekend. With the Irish internationals rested, Tom Court is unavailable for selection and so Paddy McAllister is promoted to the loosehead berth from the bench.

With back duo Andrew Trimble and Paddy Wallace unavailable, Craig Gilroy and Ian Whitten return to the starting line-up while Niall O'Connor is named at out-half after Ian Humphreys injured his ankle in training this week.
The match is now officially a sell-out and gates will open at 2.30pm.

Meanwhile, New Zealand utility back Isa Nacewa, who has scored 90 points so far this season for Leinster, has been named at fullback for his team's all-Ireland Magners League derby clash.

Nacewa, a key man for Leinster this season – given his points-scoring abilities and utility value, has been named in a backline containing four Irish Test players.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll partners Fergus McFadden at centre, with veteran Shane Horgan continuing on the wing. At flyhalf, Shaun Berne links up with former Ulster scrumhalf Isaac Boss at halfback – an experienced duo in two crucial positions.

Up front, skipper Leo Cullen starts in the second row alongside Devin Toner, with Sean O'Brien forming an exciting looking back-row unit with Dominic Ryan and Rhys Ruddock, the son of former Wales boss Mike.

Clontarf's AIL International club hooker Aaron Dundon – who has featured for Leinster's British & Irish Cup team of late – is named on the bench for the first time alongside the likes of Ian Madigan, Jack McGrath and Andrew Conway.

Form: Ulster's only win in their last twelve clashes with Leinster since 2004 was 16-14 at Ravenhill on 24 October 2009. Ulster have won their last four matches in all competitions since their 6-16 reversal at home to Munster in round 7. The Ulstermen are winless in their two games against fellow Irish provinces this season. Leinster are without a win in their last two Magners League encounters. The Leinstermen have won just one away game in the competition since April: 18-6 at Connacht on 23 October.

The teams:

Ulster: 15 Adam D'Arcy, 14 Craig Gilroy, 13 Nevin Spence, 12 Ian Whitten, 11 Simon Danielli, 10 Niall O'Connor, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Robbie Diack, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Pedrie Wannenburg, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Johann Muller (captain), 3 BJ Botha, 2 Nigel Brady, 1 Paddy McAllister.
Replacements: 16 Andi Kyriacou, 17 Declan Fitzpatrick, 18 Bryan Young, 19 Tim Barker, 20 Willie Faloon, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Luke Marshall, 23Tommy Seymour.

Leinster: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Fergus McFadden, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Shaun Berne, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Sean O'Brien, 7 Dominic Ryan, 6 Rhys Ruddock, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Leo Cullen (c), 3 Mike Ross, 2 Jason Harris-Wright, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Aaron Dundon, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Clint Newland, 19 Ed O'Donoghue, 20 Ben Marshall, 21 Paul O'Donohoe, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Andrew Conway.

Date: Monday, December 27
Venue: Ravenhill, Ulster
Kick-off: 16.00 GMT
Referee: George Clancy