Ulster sure to feel right at home

Ulster v Dragons: Mark McCall has been able to name an unchanged team to face Gwent Dragons today in Belfast. No doubt Andrew Trimble would have been included but the winger and outside centre remains on the sidelines with a knee injury sustained in Ireland's Six Nations win over England in Twickenham.

McCall has reason to be buoyant with Ulster's form and can reflect with some pride on their last game, against Munster. That 27-3 win put his side in the number-one position and was their fourth win in a row in the Celtic League.

Newport's form has not been too bad either and they have lost only one match of their last four in the competition. The twist is the three they won were all at home in Rodney Parade.

Away from home, Newport's form has been shocking: they've won only once in their last 18 games on the road in all competitions. They also have to look back to October 2004 for their last away win over Ulster.

So Ravenhill is looking even more treacherous in the eyes of coach Paul Turner.

Jonny Bell and Paul Steinmetz fill the two centre positions for Ulster with Tommy Bowe and Andrew Maxwell on the wings. Again David Humphreys partners Isaac Boss in the midfield.

The pack looks strong with Justin Harrison adding his brand of hardness around the field and in the lineouts. He partners Matt McCullough in the second row, Neil Best, young Stephen Ferris and Roger Wilson forming the back row. Former Ireland centre Kevin Maggs, who just recently signed a new one-year contract, is on the bench.

For Newport, Luke Charteris and Ceri Sweeney return from long-term injury, lock Charteris, who played his first game of the year last week after shoulder problems, starting on the bench. Sweeney starts at centre as his groin problem has eased, though, importantly, it may restrict his kicking.

Hal Luscombe returns from Wales duty to outside centre. Gareth Wyatt (foot) is out.

Rhys Oakley and Gareth Baber are also in the team after returning from Wales sevens duty at the Commonwealth Games and they slot in to number eight and scrumhalf respectively.

Home advantage and a settled team should just see Ulster through this one to keep them top of the league.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Bowe, J Bell, P Steinmetz, A Maxwell; D Humphreys, I Boss; B Young, R Best, S Best; J Harrison, M McCullough; N Best, S Ferris, R Wilson. Replacements: N Brady, J Fitzpatrick, R Caldwell, N McMillan, K Campbell, A Larkin, K Maggs.

DRAGONS: A Thomas; N Brew, H Luscombe, C Sweeney, R Fussell; C Warlow, G Baber; A Black, S Jones, R Thomas; A Hall, P Sidoli; J Ringer, J Forster (capt), R Oakley. Replacements: A Brown, D Maddocks, C Anthony, L Charteris, S Van Rensburg, J Bryant, J Ireland.

Referee: Malcolm Changleng (Scotland)