Preview:Ulster vs Edinburgh

Ulster vs Edinburgh

Ulster welcome Edinburgh to the Kingspan Stadium tonight in what should be a tight battle in some tough conditions.

Ulster head in to this one of the back of a tight defeat to Leinster in their last game, a fifth away defeat of the season. Their defence was resolute in the face of a Leinster onslaught, but the Ulster men will be concerned that their attack is yet to really fire so far this term. They will be happy to be back infront of the fevered Ulster crowd, and will be confident of victory at home. They name a much changed side to the one that lined put last week. Up front, Henderson moves to the back row, where he partners the returning Chris Henry and Roger Wilson in a new look combination. Young flyer Rory Scholes starts at left wing, with Peter Nelson and Luke Marshall also coming in to start in the backline.

Edinburghs form has deteriorated somewhat in recent weeks, and they will be desperate for a win on Friday. Having been the seasons early pace setters they have gone off the boil in recent weeks, with defeats to Zebre, Munster and Connacht leaving them scrambling for form. A win at home against the Dragons last weekend, coupled with two wins over the European break, will have them in much better spirits as they head into what is always a tough clash against the Irish Province. They name a strong side. With the likes of Scottish internationals Ross Ford and John Hardie in from the off. The backline is similarly impressive, with Will Helu, Matt Scott and Jack Cuthbert lining out.

Expect no lack of physicality and competition in the north of Ireland on Friday, as two teams in need of a win compete. Ulster are allways so competitive at home, and will start as favourites, but expect plenty of passion from the men from Scotland. KO 19:35, follow it live on the Ultimate Rugby app.