Ulster v Scarlets: Teams

Stephen Ferris: Back to tackle the Scarlets for Ulster

Ulster have been buoyed by the return of a number of their Ireland internationals for the RaboDirect PRO12 clash with the Scarlets.

Stephen Ferris, Rory Best, John Afoa and Chris Henry return to the pack after being rested for the defeat Glasgow Warriors, while Craig Gilroy replaces Simon Danielli on the wing.

There is also a place on the bench for South Africa half-back Ruan Pienaar after he recovered from a hamstring injury.

In-form Scarlets will be without five of their Wales internationals for the trip to Ravenhill.

George North, Scott Williams, Rhys Priestland, Matthew Rees and Tavis Knoyle are all involved in Wales' clash with Australia on Saturday.

Strong

However coach Nigel Davies is confident his new-look squad to rise to the challenge and extend the region's unbeaten run to nine matches.

"We know that Ulster will be at full strength and some may say that without our internationals it's more of a challenge - but all our players are keen to wear the shirt at the moment. There's a huge game against Munster on the horizon, so they'll want to take their opportunities in a bid to get selected for such a big fixture for the club," he said.

"We have a few new Scarlets in our side on Friday night, but we're also strong on experience and ability and we go to Ulster on the back of a good run and with a lot of energy, enthusiasm and forward momentum. It is a very competitive environment at Parc y Scarlets the moment and that creates a positive drive and ambition throughout the squad."

Ulster: 15 Adam D'Arcy, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Nevin Spence, 11 Craig Gilroy, 10 Ian Humphreys, 9 Paul Marshall, 8 Pedrie Wannenburg, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Johann Muller (capt), 3 John Afoa, 2 Rory Best, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Nigel Brady, 17 Paddy McAllister, 18 Adam Macklin, 19 Lewis Stevenson, 20 Robbie Diack, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Ian Whitten.

Scarlets: 15 Daniel Evans, 14 Viliami Iongi, 13 Nick Reynolds, 12 Adam Warren, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Stephen Jones (capt), 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Kieran Murphy, 7 Rob McCusker, 6 Mat Gilbert, 5 Adam Powell, 4 Lou Reed, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Phil John.
Replacements: 16 Emyr Phillips, 17 Iestyn Thomas, 18 Simon Gardiner, 19 Damian Welch, 20 Johnathan Edwards, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Daniel Newton, 23 Iolo Evans.