Andy Ward returns to the Ulster starting line-up for Saturday's crunch European Cup trip to Cardiff.
The Ulster skipper, who wasn't considered fit enough to start the Celtic League semi-final against Munster last weekend, replaces Warren Brosnihan at blindside flanker knowing only a win will keep his side's fading European ambitions alive.
Also back in the side announced today are prop Simon Best, who will come in for the suspended Justin Fitzpatrick, and centre Ryan Constable.
Elsewhere, injury concerns over Bryn Cunningham and Sheldon Coulter have eased and both will start against the Welsh side.
Ulster: B Cunningham; J Topping; R Constable, S Stewart, S Coulter; D Humphreys, N Doak; R Kempson, M Sexton, S Best, G Longwell, J Davidson, A Ward, capt, N McMillan, T McWhirter.
Replacements: C Boyd, P Shields, M Blair, R Nelson, K Campbell, J Cunningham, S Young.
