Paul Steinmetz is to return to action for Ulster against Cardiff in the Celtic League on Friday night.

The centre had been suffering from a fractured cheekbone but now partners Ireland's Andrew Trimble, replacing Jonny Bell who moves to the bench.

Otherwise Mark McCall has stuck with the side that beat Glasgow last month.

On the bench, however, Paddy Wallace is preferred to Adam Larkin as outhalf cover.

ULSTER: 15 - Bryn Cunningham; 14 - Tommy Bowe; 13 - Andrew Trimble; 12 - Paul Steinmetz; 11 - Andrew Maxwell; 10 - David Humphreys; 9 - Isaac Boss; 1 - Bryan Young; 2 - Rory Best; 3 - Simon Best (Captain); 4 -Matt McCullough ; 5- Justin Harrison ; 6 - Neil Best; 7 - Stephen Ferris; 8 - Roger Wilson

Replacements: 16 - Justin Fitzpatrick ; 17 - Nigel Brady ; 18 - Ryan Caldwell; 19 - Neil McMillan; 20 - Kieran Campbell; 21 - Paddy Wallace; 22 - Jonny Bell