Tommy Bowe will make his eagerly anticipated return in the Ulster colours tonight when the Province face Cardiff Blues in the Welsh capital (7.05pm).
The second coming of the Ireland winger to his home Province had been put on hold since he signed back from The Ospreys over the summer.
An abdominal injury, which required delicate surgery, had delayed the Monaghan man’s return after a three-year stint with The Ospreys.
Tonight he comes straight into the team in his familiar right wing position with fellow international, Andrew Trimble, shifting to the left wing.
Ulster head coach, Mark Anscombe, has once again made a number of changes since the game against Munster two weeks ago, deploying his rotational system – although his hand was forced in some respects with a number of fresh injuries to the panel.
In the backline, Bowe is the only addition to the side, while Michael Allen moves in from the wing to the midfield and takes the place of Luke Marshall, partnering Darren Cave in the centre.
Up front it is all change in the back and second rows.
Irish international, Dan Tuohy will have his first start of the season having been named alongside Neil McComb in the engine room.
Skipper, Johann Muller has picked up a knock and Lewis Stevenson moves to the bench to make way for the new double act.
Also making a return to the side for the first time this season is Irish international, Chris Henry, who comes in at openside in the loose forwards. He will also captain the side.
Nick Williams is one of the players retained, starting again at No 8, while youngster and Ireland Under-20 international, Iain Henderson comes in for his third Ulster cap.
There was much debate earlier this week over Henderson and where his likely position would be given he has played a lot of rugby in the second row, particularly at under-age international level.
The front row of Tom Court, Nigel Brady and John Afoa remains the same, just as the half back partnership of Paul Marshall and Paddy Jackson remains and Jared Payne is the only other player unaffected by the changes.
In respect of the changes, Anscombe admitted that he could have played his captain.
“Johann, at a pinch, could have been involved. But after training on Wednesday we decided another week off would be appropriate and given where we are in the context of the season,” he said.
“It means Dan Tuohy can come in for his first start of the season, which was the target around this time for him and we decided to give Neil McComb a start this weekend.
“He had a very good pre-season and deserves an opportunity and we will have a look at him and see how he handles himself.
“Chris Henry makes his return in the loose forwards. He had a good game with the Ravens two weeks ago and it is good to have him back and he also leads the team.”