MAGNERS LEAGUE
Venue: Sportsground, Galway Date: 25 September Kick-off: 2000 BST Coverage: Live on Radio Ulster MW and score updates on BBC Sport website

Stephen Ferris will miss Ulster's match away to Connacht

Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris has pulled out of the Ulster team to face Connacht because of a back injury.

Chris Henry comes in as replacement for Ferris with Thomas Anderson called up to the bench for the Magners League game in Galway on Friday (2000 BST).

Ulster management said the back problem was not serious and that the move to replace Ferris was a precaution.

Connacht make one change with Ian Keatley replacing the injured Miah Nikora at fly-half.

Paddy Wallace skippers the Ulster side, making his first start of the season and replacing Ian Whitten in midfield while up front Robbie Diack, Dan Tuohy and Tom Court also start.

Diack comes in for Chris Henry who reverts to the bench as does Neil McCombe who is replaced by Tuohy.

Meanwhile Court, who was part of Ireland's Grand Slam squad makes his first start of the season in place of Bryan Young and eager to get back into the reckoning.

Originally, Henry had captained the side in all games so far this season, but is given a rest by coach Brian McLaughlin to allow South African Diack to start.

Wallace starts in his Ireland position rather than fly-half with McLaughlin continuing with Ian Humphreys whose confidence is slowly beginning to grow after slow start to the season.

Touhy has recovered from a head injury sustained in the victory over the Ospreys and partners Ed O'Donoghue with Ryan Caldwell still on the treatment bench.

"We are fortunate in that we have a number of options in midfield but while Ian Whitten has done well, it's important that Paddy gets a chance to show what he can do at centre," said McLaughlin.

"Andrew Trimble is also putting pressure on Timoci, Darren Cave and Simon Danielli for a place in the back division, but will again start from the bench.

We have plenty to build on but must be a bit more clinical Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin

McLaughlin added that everyone involved with the squad was disappointed after the defeat by Edinburgh but said there were positives to be taken from the game.

"We did well in terms of territory and had enough possession to win the game but we did not take our opportunities," said the Ulster coach.

"We have plenty to build on, but must be a bit more clinical.

"It was a step back in terms of the result but we again showed what we are capable of and we must turn good displays into good results."

Ian Humphreys looks set to continue in his place kicking role despite attracting some criticism after missing three of his four kicks at goal on Friday night.

"You have good days and bad days as a kicker but it is a thing which individuals must work on themselves.

"I know Ian will be putting in plenty of practice this week and I am sure he will come back strongly," said the Ulster coach.

Connacht have injury doubts over prop Robbie Morris and out-half Miah Nikora.

Connacht: G Duffy; B Tuohy, T Nathan, K Matthews, F Carr; I Keatley, F Murphy; B Wilkinson, S Cronin, J Hagan, A Browne, B Upton, J Muldoon, capt, R Ofisa, M McComish.
Replacements: A Flavin, R Morris, M McCarthy, J O'Connor, C O'Loughlin, L Bibo, A Wynne.

Ulster: C Schifcofske; T Nagusa, P Wallace, capt, D Cave, S Danielli; I Humphreys, I Boss; T Court, A Kyriacou, BJ Botha, E O'Donoghue, D Tuohy, C Henry, W Faloon, R Diack.
Replacements: N Brady, D Fitzpatrick, N McComb, T Anderson, P Marshall, I Whitten, A Trimble.

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