The best crop of young talent in the province for a generation should sustain Ulster through a transitional phase under new coach Mark McCall, and the capture of Kevin Maggs is quite a boon.

Nevertheless, the changing of the guard is bound to cause some disruptions, and the loss of Robbie Kempson - who had steadied a once brittle scrum - could hurt them, especially given a sometimes vulnerable line-out.

A spate of early season injuries and a quartet of players on extended pre-season won't facilitate a quick start. The disruption to their accustomed Friday night slots, made hugely successful by the team's performances and progressive marketing, due to TV demands seems a shame and could hinder their apparent invincibility at Ravenhill.

In: Campbell Feather (Borders), Andy Kershaw (Saracens), Kevin Maggs (Bath).

Out: Warren Brosnihan (Blue Bulls), Robbie Kemspon (Northampton), Tony McWhirter (released), Matt Sexton (released).

Coach: Mark McCall.

Last season: 2nd.

Odds: 3/1.

Forecast: 3rd.