Pat Lam is hellbent on re-writing the history books on Friday night as he bids to lead Connacht to a first win at Ravenhill in more than half a decade. After racking up four RaboDirect PRO12 victories in a row, Connacht came crashing back down to earth last time out as they suffered defeat at the hands of Scarlets in Wales. And as they look to bounce back to winning ways at the first time of asking Lam knows that is easier said than done with the history books suggesting otherwise. Connacht travel to Ulster knowing that they haven’t tasted victory at Ravenhill in 54 years, and also with the knowledge that they have not beaten a province on their own soil since a trip to Donnybrook in September 2002. But while Lam saw plenty from Ulster in their 17-15 European Cup defeat to Saracens to know his side are in for a tough battle, the Connacht head coach is heading to Belfast full of confidence. "Ulster have of course suffered some injuries to their front liners as well but they have such strength in depth with the option to replace one international with another and we don't anticipate any dip in performance,” Lam said. "They are a well-coached side and last week they put in a magnificent effort against Saracens with 14 men for 75 minutes. But what that performance showed is the quality they have and the team spirit they possess. “No doubt it has been a hard week for them but we are under no illusions. We expect them to come out even stronger with the passionate Ravenhill crowd behind them. "We haven't won at Ravenhill in 54 years so this is our chance to make history. We know it's going to take a massive team effort tomorrow night but it's exciting. This is what we play rugby for, to go up against it and beat the odds." Lam has named an unchanged Connacht side for the fourth game in a row for the clash with Ulster, 23-year-old Mick Kearney set to earn his 50th cap starting in the second row with Aly Muldowney. The only change on the bench comes in the forwards with academy prop Finlay Bealham replacing an injured Nathan White. Connacht's longest serving player Michael Swift is in line to earn his 180th league appearance as he also takes his place among the replacements. While Connacht are unchanged Ulster have rung the changes with Tommy Bowe starting at outside centre, joined in the midfield by Luke Marshall who will make his 50th appearance for the club. Ricky Andrew replaces the suspended Jared Payne at full-back with Craig Gilroy starting on the left wing. Andrew Trimble who suffered concussion against Saracens, has followed the necessary return to play protocols, and starts the game on the right wing while Paul Marshall is selected at scrum-half alongside Paddy Jackson. Up front, Andrew Warwick makes his first start for Ulster with Rob Herring named at hooker and Ricky Lutton selected at tighthead. Captain, Johann Muller, is joined by Iain Henderson in the second row. Robbie Diack starts at blindside with Nick Williams selected at No.8 and Chris Henry continues at openside. There are five forwards on the bench with Niall Annett, Tom Court, Adam Macklin, Lewis Stevenson joined by backs Michael Heaney, James McKinney and Stuart McCloskey while Darren Cave and Stephen Ferris have been rested for the game. "We're out of the European Cup competition and we can feel sorry for ourselves or we can get back on the horse," Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe said. "We've had a good talk with the players about how we want to remember the year. Are we going to judge the whole season on one event or are we going to show people what we are about and get on and do a job in the PRO12? "This season is not over and we are determined to show people what we are made of." At Ravenhill Stadium, 7.05pm. Live on BBC NI Referee: Ian Davies (WRU, 15th competition game) Assistant Referees: Leo Colgan, Brian MacNeice (both IRFU) Citing Commissioner: John Cole (IRFU) TMO: Kevin Beggs (IRFU)
