Rory Best has been rested for Ulster's trip to the Sportsground for the St. Stephen's Day game against Connacht.
Rob Herring replaces Best as hooker and captain. Andy Warwick will make his fifth start of the season at loosehead prop, with Wiehahn Herbst anchoring the other side of the scrum. Alan O'Connor and Franco van der Merwe continue their second row partnership from the back-to-back wins over Toulouse.
There is one change in the back row, with Nick Williams coming in for Roger Wilson at number 8, while Robbie Diack and Sean Reidy are retained as the other loose forwards.
Rory Scholes is the only newcomer to the backline, replacing the injured Craig Gilroy on the left wing. Andrew Trimble is named on the right flank and Louis Ludik will again line out at fullback.
Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall will start together in midfield for the third consecutive outing, with Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Jackson in their usual half back positions.
Ulster team to face Connacht
(15-9): Louis Ludik, Andrew Trimble, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Rory Scholes, Paddy Jackson, Ruan Pienaar.
(1-8): Andew Warwick, Rob Herring (capt), Wiebhan Herbst, Alan O'Connor, Franco van der Merwe, Robbie Diack, Sean Reidy, Nick Williams.
Replacements (16-23): J Andrew, C Black, R Lutton, S Mulholland, Roger Wilson, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Sammy Arnold.
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