Ryan Constable returns to the Ulster side for the game against Cardiff, Andy Ward is back in the starting side and Mick O'Driscoll steps up to the plate for Munster in place of the injured Paul O'Connell. Ulster: Bryn Cunningham; James Topping, Ryan Constable, Shane Stewart, Sheldon Coulter; David Humphreys, Neil Doak; Robbie Kempson, Matt Sexton, Simon Best; Gary Longwell, Jeremy Davidson; Andy Ward capt Neil McMillan, Tony McWhirter. Replacements: Clem Boyd, Paul Shields, Mark Blair, Russell Nelson, Kieran Campbell, Jan Cunningham, Scott Young.

Munster: Jeremy Staunton; John Kelly, Mike Mullins, Jason Holland, Mossie Lawlor; Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer; Marcus Horan, Frank Sheahan, John Hayes; Donncha O'Callaghan, Mick O'Driscoll; Jim Williams capt Alan Quinlan, Anthony Foley. Replacements: Martin Cahill, James Blaney, Mick Galwey, Denis Leamy/Eddie Halvey, Mike Prendergast, Killian Keane, Colm McMahon.

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Meanwhile, Connacht make three changes for their Parker Pen Challenge Cup quarter-final tie first leg (v Pontypridd) at Ericsson Park, Athlone. (Sat 5.30 pm). Gavin Duffy takes over from the injured Ted Robinson on the right-wing with Mark McHugh starting at full-back and Johnny O'Connor chosen at open-side flanker.

Pontypridd have a number of injury problems, including world record points scorer Neil Jenkins, and they are not expected to name their side until later in the week.

Connacht: Mark McHugh; Gavin Duffy, Darren Yapp, Shane Moore capt Wayne Munn; Eric Elwood, Eoin Reddan; Ronan MCormack, Jerry Flannery, Peter Bracken; Damien Browne, Rowen Frost; Michael Swift, Colm Rigney, Johnny O'Connor. Replacements: Dan McFarland, MarnusUijs, Eric Peters, John Muldoon, Chris Keane, Martin McPhail, James. Norton