Celtic League preview: With former All Black Christian Cullen now over the obstacle of his first outing at full back with Munster and Ireland and Lions flanker David Wallace back in the side, Alan Gaffney's team will travel to Ravenhill tonight with some hope of taking the scalp of the second-placed side in the Celtic League table.
He should also be pleased that South African Robbie Kempson is out of the Ulster front row and replaced by Ronan McCormack. That at least removes an abrasive and highly competitive presence from the home side's pack.
While Munster promised without delivering in their last outing at Musgrave Park, against the Ospreys, a few changes around the side may brighten their approach. Mossie Lawlor moves from outhalf to the wing, allowing Jason Holland to return there to partner Eoin Reddan, while Tom Hayes gets his first start for the province in the second row.
Ulster bring back captain Andy Ward after last week's rest and once again make a number of changes around the team, five in all. Neil McMillan and Neil Best line up at blindside and openside, respectively, while the injured Roger Wilson sits it out.
Like Munster, Ulster hope to snap back into a winning groove after losing in Wales last week. They chase the Dragons in the table with Munster in fifth place. That indicates that Munster need the win to keep hopes alive of climbing closer to the top.
If the back line fires and if Cullen can produce the spark he was brought halfway around the world to provide, this could be an upset in the making.
ULSTER: B Cunningham; J Topping, S Stewart, P Stenmetz, S Young; A Larkin, K Campbell; R McCormack, P Shields, R Moore, M Mustchin, M McCullough, N Best, N McMillan, A Ward. Replacements: M Sexton, R Frost, W Brosnihan, N Doak, P Wallace, S Mallon.
MUNSTER: C Cullen; M Lawlor, J Kelly, R Henderson, A Horgan; J Holland, E Reddan; F Roche, J Flannery, G McIlwham, T Hayes, D Pusey, S Keogh, D Wallace, J Williams. Replacements: J Blaney, M Cahill, E Halvey (or D Ryan), P Malone, F Murphy, C O'Sullivan, S Payne.
Referee: G Simmonds (Wales).
Ravenhill, 7.30
On TV: TG4
