Director of Rugby Les Kiss believes Ulster have a target on their back as they prepare for an interprovincial showdown with reigning Guinness PRO12 champions Connacht.

Ulster, set to welcome wing Tommy Bowe back into their starting XV for the first time in six months, sit top of the Guinness PRO12 table with five wins from five.

History would suggest their 100 per cent record will remain intact by the end of the weekend, with Connacht having only beaten Ulster three times in their 26 Guinness PRO12 encounters.

But Kiss – without Charles Piutau and Franco van der Merwe through injury, while Ruan Pienaar has been rested – is wary of the challenge.

“We’re the scalp they want,” said Kiss.

“They haven’t beaten us yet, in their own words.

“We know we’re going into a real coliseum there.

“It’s going to be tough all the way, it’s not going to be easy, but it will set us up for Europe.”

Pat Lam’s champions got off and running for the season last time out with a 28-15 defeat of Edinburgh.

However, Connacht have been hit by a spate of injuries this week that will mean six changes to the team that takes to the field at the Sportsground.

Matt Healy, Tom McCartney, Quinn Roux and Denis Buckley are all injured while Peter Robb and Kieran Marmion failed fitness tests on Thursday.

But Lam insists his much-changed team will still be ready for the challenge.

“Despite all the different disruptions, we are all really excited by the challenge we face at home against Ulster,” said Lam.

“Ulster are a well-coached side with quality players across the park. We know they will come here full of confidence after the start that they’ve had and will be targeting this game to continue their impressive run.

“As long as we continue our day-to-day improvement in team performance, we will give ourselves a chance to get the points on offer.”

Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record:
Played 26, Connacht won 3, Ulster won 22 and 1 game drawn.

At The Sportsground, 7.35pm. Live on TG4 and BBC SPORT NI
Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU, 24th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Dudley Phillips, Leo Colgan (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Wayne Sheridan (IRFU)
TMO: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU)