Ulster's Billy ​Burns fired up for Jack Carty test in interpro derby against Connacht

The duo have been capped by Ireland although neither made Andy Farrell’s World Cup squad.

Out-half Burns came off the bench In Ulster’s opening day win at Zebre and started against the Bulls last Sunday.

Carty has missed both of Connacht’s opening wins but is expected to return from injury to face Ulster at the Sportsground.

“Ten is an important position and if you can get one over on your opposite man then you are in a pretty good position, whether it is Jake (Flannery), myself or for them, JJ (Hanrahan) or Jack, it will be a good battle and one that is always pivotal to how these games go, so we enjoy that pressure,” said Burns.

“It is said every year when it comes to the interpros, it’s an opportunity to go against people who are potentially fighting for higher honours, or even forgetting that the pride that everyone has in playing for their province and getting a result for their province is enough motivation.”

Despite the difficulty of playing in Galway, Ulster’s recent record at the Sportsground has been good, winning on their last two visits.

Burns added: “It is incredibly tough, the conditions are tough but first and foremost they are a fantastic side and they have started the season well.

“The interpros are always physical games and there is a lot on the line, so any time I have gone there, whether it be with Ulster or even with Gloucester, it has been an incredibly tough battle and we expect nothing less this weekend.

“We have had some decent success there in recent times which we’ll take a little bit of confidence from, but everybody knows if you are not right on it you are going to come back with your tail between your legs.”

Burns, meanwhile, is backing half-back partner Nathan Doak to win international honours in the future if he keeps moving in an upward trajectory.

“It’s probably not for me to decide; he has got all the attributes that you would want in someone to go and play at that level,” he said.

“He is cool under pressure, his skill set is good, he knows the game well. If he keeps improving and keeps knocking on the door and we keep playing well as a team, hopefully he won’t be too far away from getting down there and pushing towards World Cups.

“I can’t believe he has played 46 games for the club – genuinely, playing with him you’d think he’s played 146 games.

“He has got such a cool head on his shoulders, he understands the game unbelievably well; he can see things whether it is previewing a team, in the moment in games… it fills guys around you with confidence and it is so unique in someone so young.

“He is from good pedigree with his old man who is also coaching here and knows the game. He is a joy to play with, he still has so much more that he can give so he can get so much better which is really exciting.”