Commenting on Del Fava's selection, Williams said: "It is great to have Carlo back, he had a great Six Nations and is a talented big physical guy. With Ryan Caldwell's fiancee giving birth to their daughter Ella this week, we decided to have him on the bench and I have no doubt he will make a big impact when he comes onto the pitch."

Williams continued: "It is good to have Justin Fitzpatrick back in the team, he is full of experience and we will need it in this game."

There are no changes in the back-line with Williams adding: "We have kept the back-line the same for this game. We have had an eye on this fixture over the last few games and the combinations are working well in the backs."

The Australian has the utmost respect for Connacht. He said: "Connacht are a very smart team and will play every breakdown. They are in front of the kicker at every restart and will try to take every inch of advantage.

"We need the referee to give us a fair go, we need the breakdown and offside laws to be really refereed."

Ulster Rugby team sponsors Bank of Ireland recognise the importance of this game and the impact that the 16th man can on the team and will be giving the world famous Ravenhill Roar a boost on Friday by handing out over two thousand megaphones at the gate.

Tickets for this match are still available for the Promenade and the Terrace and can be purchased online, from the Ravenhill ticket office, the ticket line (tel: 0044(0)28 9049 3222 (select option 2)) or from all usual outlets. Please find a full list below.

In Sport - Newtownards; SS Moore's - Belfast; Athletic Stores - Belfast; Eden Park - Belfast; Euro Sport - Lisburn; Shoe Fair Sports -Banbridge; Style N Sport - Ballymena; Vi-Sport - Belfast; David Gotto All Sports - Belfast; Overplay Sports - Carrickfergus; Douglas Menswear - Belfast.

ULSTER (v Connacht): Bryn Cunningham; Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble, Paddy Wallace, Mark Bartholomeusz; Niall O'Connor, Isaac Boss; Justin Fitzpatrick, Rory Best (capt), Tom Court, Justin Harrison, Carlo Del Fava, Matt McCullough, Kieron Dawson, Stephen Ferris.

Replacements: Nigel Brady, Bryan Young, Ryan Caldwell, Neil Best, Paul Marshall, Rob Dewey, Mark McCrea.