Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe has called on his side to be clinical as they go in search of a first RaboDirect PRO12 win of the season when they travel to Connacht on Saturday.

Last season’s runners-up made a flying start to last season with 11 straight RaboDirect PRO12 wins but this term they have lost their first two matches, going down to the Dragons and to Glasgow Warriors.

Last weekend’s defeat to the Warriors was an agonising last-gasp 13-12 loss and Ulster have only once before started a season with three straight defeats – in 2008/09.

Anscombe has made three changes to his side ahead of the trip to the Sportsground, all in the pack, where Tom Court replaces Callum Black at loosehead, Iain Henderson is named in the second row in place of Dan Tuohy and Chris Henry is selected at openside flanker instead of Sean Doyle.

Ireland winger Craig Gilroy is named as a replacement and is in line to make his first appearance of the season, having recovered from the groin injury that has kept him out of rugby since April.

"It is great to be able to welcome players like Tom, Iain and Chris back in,” said Anscombe.

“They are all Ireland internationals and their experience will be important for us this weekend against a very capable Connacht side.

"We were disappointed last weekend. However, we created more opportunities against Glasgow last Friday night than we did in four matches against them last season – we just didn't take them. We need to be more clinical and we know that.

"This week we have trained well – the attitude has been really good and we are looking forward to this interprovincial match."

Connacht meanwhile, hand a debut to New Zealander Craig Clarke, who captained the Chiefs to Super XV glory over the summer, and he lines up in the second row with Michael Swift.

Fellow New Zealander Jake Heenan will also make his first start for Connacht. The 21-year-old former Baby Blacks captain comes into the back row at No. 6 as John Muldoon moves to No.8.

There is just one change to the backs with Fionn Carr, who missed last week’s game against Cardiff, returning to right wing.

Head coach Pat Lam said: “It’s a big boost for the team to have Craig available to start. It’s been a frustrating time for him with injury but he came through the week well and is raring to go.

“Jake made a big impact coming off the bench in the last two games and his selection gives us an energetic back row.
“Fionn trained well this week and returns to the wing.

“We’re all really looking forward to the first interprovincial game where both the teams and supporters will bring a lot of passion to the Sportsground.”

At Sportsground, 6.45pm.
Referee: John Lacey (IRFU, 30th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Kieran Barry, John Carvill (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: John Cole (IRFU)
TMO: Kevin Beggs (IRFU

LIVE on RTE and BBC NI