Connacht coach Pat Lam has rung the changes as his team bid to burst Ulster’s bubble and become the first side to win at the Kingspan Stadium this season when the two do battle on Friday.

Five home wins out of a possible five in GUINNESS PRO12 encounters have Ulster fifth in the table, but Connacht are hot on their heels with a similarly impressive record at the Sportsground.

Their good recent form stuttered with defeat at Leinster last time out though and Lam has made six changes to his side.

Ever-present Darragh Leader starts at ful- back and, in the absence of Ireland international Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki shifts to outside centre, so November’s Player of the Month Dave McSharry comes in at No.12.

On-loan scrum-half John Cooney gets his first start in Connacht colours, partnering Jack Carty at half-back, while Ronan Loughney, Finlay Bealham and hooker Tom McCartney make up the front row.

Willie Faloon is named at openside flanker in a back row with captain John Muldoon and last week's try scorer George Naoupu.

Academy forward Eoghan Masterson, 21, is named among the replacements alongside lock Ultan Dillane after he made his Connacht debut last week.

And coach Lam is eyeing a return to winning ways in their latest interprovincial clash.
“We've identified that it is going to be a high-pressure environment at a sold out Kingspan stadium and that we need to manage that by staying focused on our roles individually and as a team,” he said.

“We know that history is against us winning there on Friday night but we have a lot of belief in ourselves to get the job done and regain some momentum for our goal of a top-six finish in the league.”

Ulster have made seven changes from the side that suffered defeat to league leaders Ospreys last weekend, as they seek to extend their sensational record against Connacht.

Les Kiss’s team have lost just one of their last 16 meetings with their Irish rivals and will rest Rory Best and Tommy Bowe, leaving Roger Wilson to captain the side in the 300th game of his career.

“It’s a nice milestone to reach," he said. "I suppose it just reminds you of how fortunate you are to be playing the sport that you love for so long, especially when you look at players like Stephen Ferris who have had to retire early.

“I've stayed relatively injury free and durability has probably been one of my strong points throughout my career.”

Paddy Jackson replaces Ian Humphreys at No.10 while Paul Marshall comes in for Ruan Pienaar, who is struggling with a knee injury.

Wingers Craig Gilroy and Peter Nelson are the other new faces in the backline, replacing Bowe and Michael Allen respectively.

Rob Herring takes Best’s place in the front row, flanked by props Callum Black and Wiehahn Herbst.

Rookie hooker John Andrew is among the replacements, while Michael Heaney is the only other addition to the match-day squad.

At Kingspan Stadium, 6.45pm. Live on BBC NI
Referee: John Lacey (IRFU, 40th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Dudley Phillips, Nigel Correll (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Gordon Black (IRFU)
TMO: Brian McNeice (IRFU)