Del Fava back for Ulster

Matt Williams has called on prop Justin Fitzpatrick and lock Carlo Del Fava ahead of tomorrow's bottom of the table Magners League clash with Connacht at Ravenhill, but Michal Bradley has kept faith with the side that was narrowly beaten by Munster a fortnight ago.

Del Fava's return from injury has afforded Williams the opportunity to leave Caldwell, whose partner had a daughter this week, on the bench.

"It is great to have Carlo back; he had a great Six Nations and is a talented big physical guy. With Ryan's fiancée giving birth to their daughter Ella this week we decided to have him on the bench and I have no doubt he will make a big impact when he comes onto the pitch," said the Australian coach.

"It is good to have Justin Fitzpatrick back in back in the team, he is full of experience and we will need it in this game"

Williams saw no reason to change the backline despite the 32-7 defeat to Ospreys two weeks ago.

"We have kept the backline the same for this game, we have had an eye on this fixture over the last few games and the combinations are working well in the backline."

In the only change to Bradley's matchday 22, Galwegians prop Ronan Loughney is named among the replacements.

Andrew Farley, fresh from extending his contract with the province, will captain the side as usual.

Connacht are four points behind Ulster and have played a game more than their opponents. With an away trip to Newport Gwent Dragons next week they will not be happy leaving Belfast without something to show for their efforts.
 
Williams believes his side are in for a tough test and has called on the referee to be strong at the breakdown.

"Connacht are a very smart team and will play every break down, they are in front of the kicker at every restart and will try to take every inch of advantage. We need the referee to give us a fair go; we need the breakdown and off side laws to be really refereed."

Ulster:  B Cunningham; T Bowe, A Trimble, P Wallace, M Bartholomeusz; N O'Connor, I Boss; J Fitzpatrick, R Best (C), T Court, J Harrison, C Del Fava, M McCullough, K Dawson, S Ferris

Replacements: N Brady, B Young, R Caldwell, N Best, P Marshall, R Dewey, M McCrea

Connacht: G Duffy; M Mostyn, M Deane, K Matthews, D Riordan; A Dunne, C McPhillips; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Morris; D Gannon, A Farley (C); J Muldoon, J O'Connor, C Rigney.

Replacements:  J Fogarty, R Loughney, A Browne, L Casserly, R Shaw, T Nathan, D Yapp.