THE GAME CHANGERS

BILLY BURNS

out-half FOR Burns, this has already been a season of achievement as he has managed to play Test rugby and the skills-set he brings to Ulster seems to have transferred well to the highest level.

This game will be another opportunity to show Andy Farrell how he runs a backline, through deft kicking and passing, and also ought to be enough to open 2021 with festive Irish derby win number two before attention turns to the RDS Arena.

Talking tactics

THIS will be an entirely different approach to what was seen six days ago in Galway.

There, Ulster toughed it out and consistently took three points when on offer before upping the ante against an increasingly demoralised Connacht.

Today, and back home at Kingspan Stadium, Mcfarland will ideally want to see more enterprise from his experienced players, in addition to the forward grunt that ultimately worked so well in Galway.

The pack will be expected to

BEN HEALY

out-half

THE recent stories linking the youngster to a move over to Glasgow Warriors caused palpitations around the southern province already getting well used to not having Joey Carbery fit and flying.

Healy is hot property and has already shown this season that he can hack it in both the Guinness PRO14 and Champions Cup. He will play without fear and, as such, could cause Ulster quite a few problems. get on top, with big shifts needed from Eric O’sullivan, Rob Herring and Sam Carter. As usual, presence at the breakdown will hold great sway and with Ulster’s jackal king benched, this is a massive outing for David McCann. Today’s trio of Matty Rea, Mccann and Nick Timoney just might be one for the future.

Jacob Stockdale is back at 15 again, after looking more confident back on Ulster’s left wing. Munster will be keen to test him along with Ethan Mcilroy and Matt Faddes.