Mark McCall has today announced his starting line up to take on Leinster in the Magners League fixture at Ravenhill on Saturday.
McCall has awarded a first start to former Bangor Grammar dual international Paul McKenzie on the left wing against Leinster at Ravenhill.
McKenkie has made an impressive start to his Ulster career, making an encouraging cameo role against the Borders and high-class performances for Ulster A.
After starring for Ireland at out half against the Pacific Islands on Sunday, Paddy Wallace reverts back to his usual inside centre role, and is joined by fellow Irish Autumn Internationals Isaac Boss, Bryan Young, Rory Best, Simon Best and Neil Best in the starting line-up.
Captain Simon Best leads the side for the first time since he suffered a broken leg against Llanelli in the penultimate game of the 2005/06 season.
Stephen Ferris takes his place on the bench, with Kieron Dawson starting at open side. Australian international Mark Barthomeleusz takes the other wing spot as Ulster begin an important month with back-to-back Heineken cup matches with London Irish and a Boxing Day clash with Connacht.
Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble have not been considered for this fixture due to injury.
Ulster team: Bryn Cunningham, Mark Bartholomeusz, Paul Steinmetz, Paddy Wallace, Paul McKenzie, David Humphreys, Isaac Boss, Bryan Young, Rory Best, Simon Best, Justin Harrison, Matt McCullough, Neil Best, Kieron Dawson, Roger Wilson
Replacements: Paul Shields, Justin Fitzpatrick, Tim Barker, Stephen Ferris, Kieran Campbell, Kevin Maggs, Scott Young
