It will be an emotional night at Ravenhill as the visit of Saracens marks Ulster coach Harry Williams' last game at the helm. Williams, quite apart from his motivational and man-management skills brought a sense of humour and dignity to the position and his absence will leave a void: he was a player's coach.
He guided Ulster to their marvellous European Cup success in January 1999 and the players will be determined to provide him with a winning send-off. Ulster make two changes in the pack with Simon Best coming in at tighthead for Clem Boyd and Paddy Johns replacing Mark Blair in the second row.
The northern province were caught cold last time out against Cardiff, a 10-week absence from competitive fare evident in their defeat. David Humphreys has recovered from a leg injury to lead the side. Saracens still have a chance to make the quarter-finals and arrive at Ravenhill buoyed by an excellent victory over Toulouse at Vicarage Road last weekend.
They welcome back Ireland's Paul Wallace to the front row, preferred to Julian White and England international Danny Grewcock will return to partner Scott Murray in the second row. The English visitors also include Irish wing Darragh O'Mahony in what is a formidable side. The return of Australian outhalf Duncan McRae was a central factor in their win over Toulouse and Ulster must be aware of his threat.
Saracens have enjoyed a mixed season to date and their minds will be concentrated on reaching the knockout phase of the European Cup to salvage it. In what should be a very tight contest Ulster, given the night in question, may celebrate Williams' swansong with a famous victory.
ULSTER: S McDowell; J Topping, R Constable, J Bell, T Howe; D Humphreys, B Free; J Fitzpatrick, A Clarke, S Best; P Johns, G Longwell; R Nelson, T McWhirter, A Ward.
SARACENS: B Sparg; D O'Mahony, T Shanklin, K Sorrell, D Luger; D McRae, K Bracken (capt); D Flatman, R Russell, P Wallace; S Murray, D Grewcock; K Chesney, T Diprose, R Hill.
Referee: J Dume (France).
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