Ed O'Donoghue is back in the number 4 jersey, taking the place of Italian lock Carlo Del Fava.

Chris Henry, who continues to rack up senior appearances for the province, steps in as openside flanker for this week's interprovincial tussle, in place of the sidelined David Pollock.

In the backs, Ian Whitten and Timoci Nagusa have been named at inside centre and on the left wing respectively, replacing Ireland duo Paddy Wallace and Andrew Trimble who were not considered due to injury.

After losing 11-9 at home to Cardiff last time out, Ulster need a return to form when they meet their provincial foes Connacht.

Head coach Matt Williams will be hoping his side can achieve another bonus point win over Connacht and secure a mid-table finish in the league ahead of their final game of the campaign against the Scarlets.

ULSTER (v Connacht): Clinton Schifcofske; Simon Danielli, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Timoci Nagusa; Niall O'Connor, Paul Marshall; Tom Court, Rory Best (capt), BJ Botha, Ed O'Donoghue, Ryan Caldwell, Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack.

Replacements: Nigel Brady, Bryan Young, Carlo Del Fava, Matt McCullough, Isaac Boss, Ian Humphreys, Rob Dewey.