Ulster hooker Rob Herring believes their GUINNESS PRO12 clash against Benetton Treviso is a must-win as they look to climb into the play-off spots and continue their impressive form at Kingspan stadium.

The Ulstermen were less than impressive in last month’s match at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo, where they narrowly survived a second-half comeback from the Italians, who scored 20 points without reply.

But Ulster have lost just once in Belfast this season: 13-23 to Toulon in the Champions Cup on 25th October, whilst their only GUINNESS PRO12 defeat at the venue since September 2013 came at the hands of Leinster last May.

And Herring, who represented Ireland Wolfhounds last week, is excited to return to action for Ulster as his side look to build up some momentum heading into a crucial part of the season.

"I think it's obviously a big period for us, these next four or five games," he explained.

"A lot of the guys in the top four will be playing each other and we're playing teams who are maybe closer to the bottom.

"If we can win all our games in this block, then it's a good opportunity to catch up on some points and try to get top one or top two."

With the returning players and international commitments, Neil Doak makes five changes and two positional switches to the side that defeated Leicester Tigers at Kingspan Stadium three weeks ago.

Craig Gilroy will become the youngest player to win 100 caps for Ulster when the 23-year-old lines up alongside Michael Allen and the returning Louis Ludik in the back three.

Nick Williams and Stuart McCloskey are also included in the match-day squad having recovered from injury, with Williams selected at No.8 and McCloskey named among the replacements.

Treviso are on a good run of form at the moment having won three of their last five matches in all competitions.

But away from home their only victory in their last 24 trips in all tournaments came on their visit to Zebre in December and their only previous win in 15 meetings with the Ulstermen was the 23-12 in Belfast on 7th October 2011.

Joe Carlisle will wear the number ten jersey for Treviso with Sam Christie moving to inside centre, forming a midfield pairing with Enrico Bacchin.

Alberto Lucchese will be the scrum-half, while the back three will be Jayden Hayward as fullback and Ludovico Nitoglia and Angelo Esposito as wingers.

And Ulster’s returning No.8 Williams insists his side must overcome any international absences and try to dictate the play if they want to gain the upper hand over Umberto Casellato’s players.

“Treviso are a tough team, I have played in Italy and played against them many times, they will try to dominate us so we have to get over that hurdle and play a bit of our own rugby which I don’t think we have done as much as we have wanted to over the last couple of games,” he admitted.

“Everyone is affected by the internationals so this is where I guess they look at the foreign boys to bring a bit of leadership and a bit of ownership, this is probably the chance for some of the younger lads to get a crack as well.

“This tests the true depth of the team just not ourselves but a lot of the other teams we play against – Treviso have been hit hard and so have we.”

At Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm. Live on BBC NI/Nuvolari
Referee: Ian Davies (WRU, 26th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Nigel Correll, Brian MacNeice (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Wayne Sheridan (IRFU)
TMO: Alan Rogan (IRFU)