ULSTER v LLANELLI:A GOOD start is arguably even more important for Ulster than Munster or Leinster, given their comparative lack of strength-in- depth and the need to give the Matt Williams reign real impetus after his salvage operation in the wake of last season's difficulties.

With the trip to a Cardiff side next Friday playing their third game in seven days offering the possibility of a first win on Welsh soil since September '06, and two more home games to come in the first five rounds, Ulster's chances of generating some early-season momentum could hinge on the outcome of tonight's match.

To that end, encouragingly, Ulster have won their opening fixture in the last three years of the league and, furthermore, they have won all five previous meetings between the sides in the competition at Ravenhill, although the Scarlets did hand out a thumping here in the Heineken Cup two seasons ago.

After an encouraging pre-season, Ulster welcome South African tighthead prop Brendon "BJ" Botha for his first start.

"Brendon has been training with the Sharks for the last few weeks so I have no concerns over his fitness levels, he has impressed us all at training this week and I am delighted to name him in the side," said Williams.

"It is important to hit the ground running and I feel we have picked a strong side for the first game. We are ready for the Scarlets. But we are determined to get our season off to a good start."

Australian A fullback Clinton Schifcofske and Fijian winger Timoci Nagusa also make their competitive debuts.

But optimism is high within Welsh rugby that Llanelli themselves are due a rejuvenation under new coach Nigel Davies and after a heavy recruitment drive.

ULSTER:C Schifcofske; A Trimble, D Cave, R Dewey, T Nagusa; P Wallace, l 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.

LLANELLI: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 (capt), G Thomas, D Lyons. Replacements: D Manu, M Schwalger, V Cooper, D Jones, M Roberts, C Thomas, N Brew, D Evans, S MacLeod.

Referee:Peter Allan (SRU).

Odds:8/15 Ulster, 20/1 draw, 6/4 Llanelli. Handicap betting (= Llanelli + 4pts) 10/11 Ulster, 20/1 draw, 10/11 Llanelli.

Forecast:Ulster to win.