Ulster V Glasgow:WELL AFTER Ulster's winning match against Munster in Belfast in midweek, coach Matt Williams expressed significant frustration with his players. His side did not run the ball as they had planned; the lineout did not function and through Ryan Caldwell the team drew another yellow card against a Munster side that, according to Williams, "did not turn up on the night".
The coach did not hold back, and though he was satisfied Ulster are now almost guaranteed a place in next year's Heineken Cup, there were issues to be addressed.
"We had a technically bad night," said Williams. "Nobody is hiding from the criticism. There is no excuse. So far this season our lineout has been solid and after Wednesday night the only thing to do is get back on the pitch and get it right."
To get it right he has made five changes and one positional switch ahead of today's match against Glasgow. Justin Fitzpatrick is named at loosehead prop, replacing Bryan Young, who is named on the bench.
Justin Harrison is named in the secondrow alongside Carlo Del Fava in what could be the Australian lock's final start for Ulster.
In the backrow the Ireland flanker Neil Best, who came off the bench against Munster, replaces Kieron Dawson, and Roger Wilson is at number eight. Stephen Ferris is unavailable - he picked up an injury on Wednesday - as is fullback Bryn Cunningham.
Cunningham is out with a fractured cheekbone and so Mark Bartholomeusz moves to fullback and Scotland's Simon Danielli goes to the wing.
But Williams will also know Ulster have lost their last three matches against Scottish opposition, while Glasgow have won their last three Magners League matches, against Newport, Edinburgh and Llanelli.
But Glasgow have also lost on their last three visits to Ireland and won't relish going to Belfast, where even if Ulster don't play well they will battle to the end for even one point.
Flanker Kelly Brown, winger Thom Evans, and lock Dan Turner recently put pen to paper for Glasgow and all feature in Seán Lineen's side, so that at least gives the visitors some impetus.
Still, Ravenhill against a desperate Ulster looking to make sure of a European Cup place next year is a tough ask.
ULSTER: M Bartholomeusz; T Bowe, A Trimble, R Dewey, S Danielli; P Wallace, I Boss; J Fitzpatrick, R Best, T Court; C Del Fava, J Harrison; M McCullough, N Best, R Wilson. Replacements: N Brady, B Young, R Caldwell, K Dawson, K Campbell, N O'Connor, M McCrea.
GLASGOW: B Stortoni; L Fa'atau, M Evans, G Morrison, T Evans; D Parks (capt), C Gregor; J Va'a, D Hall, M Low; O Palepoi, D Turner; K Brown, J Barclay, J Beattie. Replacements: E Milligan, A Newman, K Tkachuk, J Eddie, S Pinder, S Barrow, H O'Hare.
Referee: T Hayes (Wales).
Verdict: Ulster.
