Ulster to show killer touch

As a vindication of self-belief and character, last week's petty larceny at Musgrave Park will have increased confidence levels within the Ulster squad.

In truth there was nothing fortuitous about their victory; had Adam Larkin been more precise with placed-ball opportunities or the team exploited several try-scoring opportunities, then there would have been no need for the injury-time heroics.

Just as had been the case the previous week in the Celtic Cup match (23-23) against Leinster, Ulster were the better team but haven't quite managed to translate on-pitch ascendancy to the scoreboard, thereby facilitating a more relaxed end to matches.

A penchant for conceding soft tries - three in two games - is a damaging trait but these negatives haven't prevented Ulster from securing second place in the Celtic League table and the opportunity in the next fortnight to claim the top spot. Next weekend they play Edinburgh, the current table toppers.

Despite the inability to kill off games early, several individuals have grabbed the spotlight.

Kieran Campbell is finally delivering on the promise he displayed as an underage player, Seamus Mallon was physically impressive against Munster in a back line in which Bryn Cunningham and Scott Young appeared more comfortable, while Matt McCullough and Neil Best have added youthful impetus to more seasoned campaigners.

The scrum is now an offensive weapon, while Ulster's driving maul from lineouts is a more potent option. Their opponents are depleted by injuries and despite the presence of the tournament's top points scorer, the former Lions and Wales outhalf Neil Jenkins, they may struggle at Ravenhill.

The Warriors welcome back Welsh centre Jon Bryant after an ankle ligament injury. He joins Shaun James in the midfield. Former Wales under-21 cap Allen Chiltern will make his full debut for the Warriors at scrumhalf having appeared for the final five minutes against the Ospreys last weekend. He takes over from Paul John.

Matthew Rees returns at hooker to take over from Andrew Joy, who is suffering from a back injury. Coach Lyn Howells admitted: "This is going to be a really tough trip for us. I was comfortable with losing 10 players to the World Cup, but I wasn't banking on losing another seven players to the injury list."

ULSTER: B Cunningham; S Young, S Mallon, S Stewart, T Howe; A Larkin, K Campbell; R McCormack, P Shields, R Moore; M Mustchin, M McCullough; A Ward (capt), T McWhirter, N Best. Replacements: B Young, M Sexton, R Frost, R Wilson, R Spee, R Constable, J Topping.

CELTIC WARRIORS: E Lewis; G Wyatt, S James, J Bryant, R Mustoe; N Jenkins, A Chiltern; P Booth, M Rees, C Horsman; D Jones, N Budgett; R Parks, C Harris, R Bryan (capt). Replacements: AN Other, G Morris, R Jones, M Lewis, P John, M Nuthall, G Cull.

Referee: D Changleng (Scotland).

Leading points scorers: Ulster - A Larkin 46. Celtic Warriors - N Jenkins 74.

Leading try scorers: Ulster - A Ward 3. Celtic Warriors - G Wyatt 3.

Last time out: Ulster - beat Munster (a) 16-15. Celtic Warriors - lost 33-22 (h) to Ospreys.

Verdict: Ulster to win.