Ulster might have beaten Treviso last time out in the RaboDirect PRO12 but ahead of the visit of Newport Gwent Dragons, Robbie Diack insists the Irish province still have plenty of improvements to make.

Diack and co came away from Northern Italy with a 14-12 victory, a result which – coupled with defeats for Ospreys and Glasgow Warriors – moved Ulster into third in the RaboDirect PRO12.

Another victory over Dragons would cement their chances of a top-four finish and few would bet against them doing exactly that.

Ulster's only defeat in any competition since early November was a 6-19 reverse to Leinster in the RaboDirect PRO12 on December 28, while their only defeat at Ravenhill in the last 12 months was to Glasgow on September 13.

However the Ulstermen have not managed to tally a try bonus point in the competition since round eight, and Diack insists they must get better from here on out despite flying high in the league.

“I think we're now looking forward to getting a bit of momentum from playing again,” said Diack.

“That's the best way to rectify things, to just get back on the pitch as quickly as possible and try and fix it.

“We've got to now focus on the Dragons, they've got a good team and it's going to be a massive confrontation – we're just looking forward to being back at Ravenhill.”

British & Irish Lion Tommy Bowe has recovered from a leg injury and will make his first RaboDirect PRO12 start since November on the right wing.

Bowe is joined in the back three by Jared Payne at full-back and by Ireland Under-20s winger Rory Scholes, who makes his first senior start.

Paddy Jackson has been released by Ireland and starts at fly-half, with Ruan Pienaar moving back to his more familiar position at scrum-half.

Up front Callum Black starts at loosehead, with Tom Court named on the bench. Rob Herring continues at hooker with Ricky Lutton keeping his place at tighthead.
Johann Muller captains Ulster from the second row where he is joined by Iain Henderson, who has also been released from international duty.

Stuart McCloskey is named as a replacement and the 21-year-old will make his first senior appearance for Ulster if called upon.

Newport Gwent Dragons have made four changes for the trip to Ireland, with Bruce Douglas set to make his first start for the club since arriving on loan from Bristol.

Welsh sevens star Rhys Jones gets his third start of the season at full-back, and he is joined in the back three by wingers Matthew Pewtner and Ross Wardle.

The centre pairing of Pat Leach and Ashley Smith makes another appearance with Smith also taking on the role of captain, in Andrew Coombs’ absence.

At No.10 young gun Steffan Jones takes on kicking duties as fly-half Jason Tovey is moved to the bench and scrum-half Richie Rees retains his place from last weekend.

There have been six changes made to the bench as Ieuan Jones and Wayne Evans are joined on the bench by Nathan Williams, Hugh Gustafson, Duncan Bell, Rob Sidoli, Jason Tovey and Jack Dixon who has returned from injury.

Newport Gwent Dragons’ last five fixtures in the RaboDirect PRO12 have all been won by the home side on the day, whilst the Welshmen's solo victory on the road in the competition since round 16 last season came at Glasgow in November.
The Men from Gwent have lost their last five contests with Irish provinces and have won just once away from home against an Irish team since October 2004: 16-14 against Ulster at Ravenhill in September 2008.

"It's a challenging league with teams having a mix of older heads and some talented youngsters and I have enjoyed playing week in, week out,” said hooker Rhys Buckley.

"Getting that game time has been brilliant and it has been great to play alongside (former Wales prop) Ben Evans, who has taught me a fair few things.

"I want to challenge for a spot, get a few games and show what I can do."

At Ravenhill, 7.05pm. Live on BBC NI/RTE
Referee: Lloyd Linton (SRU, 3rd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Nigel Correll, John Carvill (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Gordon Black (IRFU)
TMO: Peter Ferguson (IRFU)