With just five days between fixtures, Les Kiss has taken the opportunity to introduce six new faces into Ulster's starting XV for the sold-out match against Connacht on Friday (Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm).
Five of the changes come in the forwards after a physical Champions Cup tie versus ASM Clermont Auvergne on Sunday.
Andrew Warwick and Rodney Ah You come in to start in the front row alongside Rory Best, who will again captain the side from hooker.
Kieran Treadwell, who impressed off the bench in the back-to-back games against the French giants, has earned a start in the second row. Iain Henderson has been moved from blindside flanker to partner the youngster at lock.
Clive Ross and Roger Wilson have been selected in the back row alongside Chris Henry, who is retained in the number 7 jersey.
There is just one newcomer in the backline as Jacob Stockdale, who made his European debut against Clermont at the weekend, is installed on the left wing. Louis Ludik is moved to the right wing berth and Charles Piutau will continue at fullback.
Stuart McCloskey, who will win his 50th Ulster cap on Friday evening, will again be joined in midfield by fellow international Luke Marshall. Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Jackson start together in the half-back positions for the third consecutive match.
Andrew Trimble was unable to train fully this week and therefore was not available for selection.
Kiss has named an experienced replacements bench, which has accumulated 892 Ulster appearances.
The Ulster men currently occupy 5th position in the Guinness PRO12, with a game in hand on the teams above them, while Connacht are also in contention for a top four spot.
The match will be televised live on BBC NI and Sky Sports.
Please note that the match is sold-out. With a weather warning and with heavy Christmas traffic around Belfast, please allow for additional journey time to and from the stadium. Further details will be available in the Match Day Guide later today.
Ulster team & replacements to play Connacht, Guinness PRO12, Friday 23rd December, Kingspan Stadium (7.35pm kick-off):
(15-9): C Piutau, L Ludik, L Marshall, S McCloskey, J Stockdale, P Jackson, R Pienaar;
(1-8): A Warwick, R Best (captain), R Ah You, K Treadwell, I Henderson, C Ross, C Henry, R Wilson;
Replacements (16-23): R Herring, C Black, W Herbst, F van der Merwe, S Reidy, P Marshall, D Cave, T Bowe.
Five of the changes come in the forwards after a physical Champions Cup tie versus ASM Clermont Auvergne on Sunday.
Andrew Warwick and Rodney Ah You come in to start in the front row alongside Rory Best, who will again captain the side from hooker.
Kieran Treadwell, who impressed off the bench in the back-to-back games against the French giants, has earned a start in the second row. Iain Henderson has been moved from blindside flanker to partner the youngster at lock.
Clive Ross and Roger Wilson have been selected in the back row alongside Chris Henry, who is retained in the number 7 jersey.
There is just one newcomer in the backline as Jacob Stockdale, who made his European debut against Clermont at the weekend, is installed on the left wing. Louis Ludik is moved to the right wing berth and Charles Piutau will continue at fullback.
Stuart McCloskey, who will win his 50th Ulster cap on Friday evening, will again be joined in midfield by fellow international Luke Marshall. Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Jackson start together in the half-back positions for the third consecutive match.
Andrew Trimble was unable to train fully this week and therefore was not available for selection.
Kiss has named an experienced replacements bench, which has accumulated 892 Ulster appearances.
The Ulster men currently occupy 5th position in the Guinness PRO12, with a game in hand on the teams above them, while Connacht are also in contention for a top four spot.
The match will be televised live on BBC NI and Sky Sports.
Please note that the match is sold-out. With a weather warning and with heavy Christmas traffic around Belfast, please allow for additional journey time to and from the stadium. Further details will be available in the Match Day Guide later today.
Ulster team & replacements to play Connacht, Guinness PRO12, Friday 23rd December, Kingspan Stadium (7.35pm kick-off):
(15-9): C Piutau, L Ludik, L Marshall, S McCloskey, J Stockdale, P Jackson, R Pienaar;
(1-8): A Warwick, R Best (captain), R Ah You, K Treadwell, I Henderson, C Ross, C Henry, R Wilson;
Replacements (16-23): R Herring, C Black, W Herbst, F van der Merwe, S Reidy, P Marshall, D Cave, T Bowe.