The expectation on Ulster isn't simply that, as table toppers facing a side second from bottom in the Celtic League on home turf, they should win but also that coach Alan Solomons is vindicated in the changes he has made.
Adam Larkin and Kieron Campbell have been excellent at halfback but have given way to Irish squad members David Humphreys and Neil Doak, so there will be a certain amount of pressure on the latter pair to ensure the changeover is seamless.
It will be interesting to note how New Zealander Paul Steinmetz fares in partnership with the tournament's joint top try scorer and fellow Antipodean Ryan Constable. In discussing the Ulster back line it's interesting to note there is no place for Paddy Wallace either in the starting team or among the replacements. The talented young player may have to wait for an injury to facilitate any return.
Up front Simon Best is selected at loosehead while former Springbok Robbie Kempson is named among the replacements. Rod Moore has done a superb job at tighthead and will be tough to displace. Matt McCullough's injury means a start for Rowan Frost with Gary Longwell forced to sit on the bench while Roger Wilson is at number eight ahead of Tony McWhirter. Flanker Neil Best is a young player with potential, as his performances this season have shown.
Borders name four World Cup returnees in Tanner Vili, Nikki Walker, Bruce Douglas and the excellent Semo Sititi in their team. There is no place for Gregor Townsend, who is nursing a knee injury. The Scottish side have shown themselves to be reasonably obdurate at home but weak on their travels. Anything other than a convincing Ulster victory would constitute a major surprise.
ULSTER: B Cunningham; J Topping, R Constable, P Steinmetz, T Howe; D Humphreys, N Doak; S Best, M Sexton, R Moore, M Mustchin, R Frost, A Ward (capt), R Wilson, N Best.
BORDERS: T Vili; N Walker, G Morton, K Utterson (capt), C Murray; C Laidlaw, C Cusiter; K Todd, R Ford, B Douglas, S Mac Leod, C Stewart, A Rennick, S Sititi, C Feather.
Referee: N Owens (Wales).
Leading points scorers: Ulster - A Larkin 100. G Morton 69.
Leading try scorers: Ulster - R Constable 6. Borders - G Morton 3.
Verdict: Ulster.
Ulster v Borders
Ravenhill, Today, 7.30
