Ulster boss Alan Solomons has named his side ahead of Friday's crucial Heineken Cup match against Pool 6 leaders Northampton at Ravenhill. Ulster are currently level on six points with French side Biarritz, and know they must win on Friday if they are to progress to the quarter-finals. Even a win may not be enough as both Northampton and Biarritz, who are at home to pointless Cardiff, have a superior points difference.
Justin Fitpatrick's return from suspension means he is available for selection, but Solomons has resisted the temptation to include him and thus he retains the XV that triumphed 33-21 over Cardiff in Wales on Saturday.
The game has a 7.05pm kick-off.
Ulster XV v Northampton:Bryn Cunningham, James Topping, Ryan Constable, Shane Stewart, Sheldon Coulter, David Humphreys, Neil Doak, Robbie Kempson, Matt Sexton, Simon Best, Gary Longwell, Jeremy Davidson, Andy Ward (Capt), Neil McMillan, Tony McWhirter.
Replacements: Justin Fitzpatrick, Paul Shields, Mark Blair, Russell Nelson, Kieran Campbell, Jan Cunningham, Scott Young.
Filed by Shane Murray
