Connacht coach Michael Bradley has made seven changes to the side which defeated Neath-Swansea Osprey at the weekend ahead of their provincial clash against Ulster at the Sportsground this Saturday.
Bradley hopes to maintain this season's good form, which has seen his side climb to third in the table, by rotating his squad. However, this will be Connacht's sternest test yet as they face-up to league leaders Ulster.
In the backline, Mark McHugh returns at full-back, while Darren Yapp takes his place at centre, enabling Matt Mostyn to switch to the right wing. Conor McPhillips, the league's top try scorer, returns to the left wing.
Up front, Ray Hogan comes back in at loosehead with Andrew Farley now partnering Mike McCarthy in the second row. The remaining two changes will see Michael Swift and John O'Sullivan shore up the back row.
"This is a huge match for us. Ulster top the Celtic League and we are in third place after our win away to Neath-Swansea Ospreys at the weekend," said Connacht manager John Fallon.
"There will be a lot to play for and the following week we entertain Edinburgh in the semi-final of the Celtic Cup," he added.
Kick-off at the Sportsground this Saturday takes place at 2.30 p.m.
Connacht(v Ulster): M. McHugh; M. Mostyn, D. Yapp, T. Allnutt, C. McPhillips; E. Elwood, M. Walls; R. Hogan, B. Jackman, A. Clarke; M. McCarthy, A. Farley; M. Swift, P. Neville, J. O¹Sullivan.
Replacements:J. Fogarty, F. Boiroux, D. Browne, T. Carter, C. O¹Loughlin, D. Hewitt, W. Munn.