Gwent v Ulster: Former Leinster coach and current Dragons boss Mike Ruddock will hope to lay down a marker in a clash today that pits first against third.
The Welsh side were surprisingly beaten last time out by the Neath-Swansea Ospreys and will want to respond against the Celtic League's top team.
Welsh internationals Hal Luscombe and Michael Owen return to the starting line-up. The Dragons have proved resilient, and given the form of South African Percy Montgomery will be very touch to beat.
Ulster coach Alan Solomons has decided to rest captain Andy Ward, and the honour of leading the team passes to openside Neil McMillan, who wins his 31st cap for the province today.
It is a much changed Ulster team from the one beaten by Glasgow. Their chances will be boosted by the return of David Humphreys. Shane Stewart and Kieran Campbell come in at centre and scrumhalf.
GWENT DRAGONS: S Tiupulotu; N Brew, P Montgomery, A Marinos (capt), H Luscombe; C Warlow, G Baber; A Black, S Jones, R Thomas; M Owen, P Sidoli; R Beattie, S van Rensburg, J Forster. Replacements (from): R Snow, P Young, L Charteris, J Ringer/B Skinstad, R Jones, L Jarvis, B Breeze.
ULSTER: B Cunningham; J Topping, S Stewart, P Steinmetz, S Young; D Humphreys, K Campbell; R Kempson, P Shields, S Best; G Longwell, M McCullough; N Best, R Wilson, N McMillan (capt). Replacements: R Moore, N Brady, M Mustchin, W Brosnihan, N Doak, S Mallon, P Wallace.
Referee: I Ramage (Scotland).
Verdict: Ulster.
John O'Sullivan
