Team news: Leinster are still sweating on the availability of Gordon D'Arcy, Shane Horgan and Emmett Byrne ahead of next week's European Cup quarter-final against the Leicester Tigers at Lansdowne Road.
D'Arcy has been named in a 27-man squad for tomorrow's Celtic League match against Llanelli, also at Lansdowne Road, but his troublesome hamstring is unlikely to be seriously tested.
"Gordon is unlikely to participate on Friday," said team manager Paul McNaughton.
"The Llanelli match is, of course, important to our season, but the main goal is Leicester next week so we will not be risking anything at this stage.
"He seems to be getting back on track and participated fully in the last two sessions yesterday (Tuesday) and today (Wednesday)."
This seems to indicate a return to full fitness, yet Felipe Contepomi should still partner Brian O'Driscoll in the centre.
Shane Horgan's chances of recovering from a fractured thumb will become more apparent after the weekend.
Another problem has presented itself in the crucial area of tighthead prop, as Byrne is still struggling with a quad strain he picked up against the Gwent Dragons on January 30th. Ricky Nebbett, a former European Cup winner with Leicester, will come in with John Lyne promoted to the bench.
Tomorrow's side should largely mirror the one that takes the field on Saturday week, with the main duel being for the number seven shirt between Keith Gleeson and Shane Jennings. Gleeson is making a late push for inclusion after seven months on the sidelines with a broken leg.
Jennings opened the door by damaging a toe, and Gleeson appeared to be close to his best against Connacht last week.
Ulster have named a strong side for tomorrow's penultimate Celtic League match at Ravenhill against bottom side the Borders. David Humphreys and Kevin Maggs return from international duty as coach Mark McCall attempts to end a difficult first season on a relative high after only one win in the last four league outings.
Simon Best, who missed last week's 21-15 defeat to Munster after travelling to Wales as frontrow cover for Ireland, comes back in at tighthead for Rod Moore.
Bryn Cunningham has recovered from a shoulder injury sustained against France A on March 11th, which forces Tommy Bowe back on to the right wing.
"We must not lose respect for the Borders," said McCall. "We still have a game in hand over Connacht, who have two difficult matches against Dragons and Ospreys to come and everything is in our hands. We have three games left and are in the box seat. It is up to us to go out and get the wins and ensure we get up that table."
Andy Ward leads the team out for one of the last times, while Andy Maxwell returns to the squad after Irish Sevens duty in Hong Kong.
Paddy Wallace is also named on the bench after he produced a capable kicking display against France A.
Meanwhile, Blackrock College RFC will part company with their director of rugby, Steve McIvor, at the end of this season.
They are terminating the position due to financial difficulties and will seek a part-time coach for next season.
"The club aren't financially able to have a full-time director of rugby anymore," said spokesman Ken MacDonald. "It is a cost-cutting exercise right across the board. Like most other clubs in the All-Ireland League it is almost impossible to make ends meet anymore. There is not enough support at games and the numbers are not coming into the clubhouses. Basically, we are returning to the amateur game."
The former Irish international scrumhalf had been in the role since the start of last season. "It's unfortunate, as Steve has done a fantastic job with Blackrock finishing as the leading Leinster club in Division One last season. He is held in the highest regard by all in the club," added MacDonald.
ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Howe, K Maggs, P Steinmetz, T Bowe; D Humphreys, K Campbell; R McCormack, P Shields, S Best; G Longwell, M McCullough; A Ward (capt), N Best, R Wilson. Replacements: R Moore, R Best, C Feather, T Barker, P Wallace, N Doak, A Maxwell.
LEINSTER: Forwards: R Corrigan, R Nebbett, J Lyne, S Byrne, D Blaney, L Cullen, M O'Kelly, B Gissing, E Miller, S Jennings, K Gleeson, V Costello, D Dillon, C Potts, A McCullen. Backs: B O'Riordan, B O'Meara, G Easterby, D Holwell, D Hickie, G Brown, G D'Arcy, D Quinlan, K Lewis, B O'Driscoll, G Dempsey, F Contepomi.
