Five handed debuts
Ulster head coach, Matt Williams, has handed five players their first competitive starts for the Province on Friday when they debut against Llanelli Scarlets.
South African's Brendon Botha and Robbie Diack will be joined in the pack by Irish qualified Australian, Ed O'Donoghue while Fijian winger, Timoci Nagusa and fullback, Clinton Schifcofske (Australia) are included in the backline.
It was no surprise Williams handed tighthead prop and powerful scrummager, Botha, a starting place straight away, although he only arrived in Belfast on Sunday.
Williams said: "He was training with the Sharks in Durban for the last few weeks so I have absolutely no concerns over his fitness levels.
"I was simply delighted to be able to name him in the side, particularly after he made such an huge impression at training this week."
Williams added: "It is important we hit the ground running and I feel we have picked a strong side for the first game.
"Yes there were some selection issues in that we have a great squad to chose from. That is something I am really pleased about.
"We are ready for the Scarlets. yes, they are a quality side and have recruited well over the summer.
"And they will be keen to come to Ravenhill and lay down the law as we meet them again in the Heineken Cup in December.
"But we are determined to get out season off to a good start and build the confidence in the team up."
ULSTER: C Schifcofske; A Trimble, D Cave, R Dewey, T Nagusa; P Wallace, I Boss; J Fitzpatrick, R Best (capt), B Botha, C Del Fava, E O'Donoghue, M McCullough, K Dawson, R Diack.
Replacements: N Brady, T Court, R Caldwell, D Pollock, C Willis, n O'Connor, B Cunningham.
SCARLETS: M Stoddard; D Daniel, R Higgitt, G Evans, M Jones; S Jones, S Martens; I Thomas, M Rees, K Meeuws, L Reed, S Maling, S Easterby (c), D Lyons, G Thomas
Replacements (from): D Manu, M Schwalger, V Cooper, D Jones, M Roberts, C Thomas, N Brew, D Evans, S MacLeod
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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