Williams hoping to lift gloom

After a turbulent week for Ulster, which saw coach Mark McCall resign his post yesterday morning, caretaker boss Steve Williams has conceded Friday's trip to Bourgoin is likely to prove a trying experience.

Williams, who joined the province as assistant coach during the summer, has assumed control in McCall's absence and has made a raft of changes to the starting line-up for the daunting journey into the French heartland.

And while the Welshman is keen to move forward, he admits there is a lingering sense of disappointment in the camp at McCall's departure.

"It has been a tough week for everyone at Ulster, people are very upset about what has happened and really there is no point in pretending that we aren't," Williams said this afternoon.

"Obviously we are not on top form and almost at the point where we have to try new things. It is important that we do not go into our shell this weekend and we are as constructive as possible."

To that end, Williams has made his own stamp on the team, bringing in Mark Barthlomeusz, Paul Steinmetz, Simon Danielli and Kieron Dawson with Matt McCullough moving from the back row to lock.

Williams expects Steinmetz's return from injury to provide "a real boost" but is under no illusions as to the enormity of the task facing a side low on confidence.

"Bourgoin have an impressive pack, they are very typically French, they have big direct centres and straight  hard running wingers with bags of pace," he added. "We are well aware of the challenge we face on Friday night and we intend to hit them head on."

Ulster (v Bourgoin): M Bartholomeusz; T Bowe, A Trimble, P Steinmetz, S Danielli; P Wallace, I Boss; J Fitzpatrick, R Best (c), B Young; M McCullough, C Del Fava; N Best, K Dawson, R Wilson. Replacements: N Brady, D Fitzpatrick, R Caldwell, D Pollock, K Campbell, N O'Connor, R Dewey