The South African-born player, who has operated almost exclusively in the forward breakaway unit, will start on the bench.

But backs coach Rob Moffat stressed his confidence that he will bloom in the wake of his transition.

Moffat said: ‘‘It was a switch we had considered for a few months and it was Roly himself who set the ball rolling.

‘‘He has appeared on the wing at Under-21 provincial level in South Africa and has all the attributes of what a modern player in that position should have.’’

Test prop David Hilton is also on the move from loosehead to tighthead to allow new Aussie signing Cameron Blades to make his first start for the Warriors.

Moffat said: ‘‘David is a very talented front row man in every respect and he is comfortable with the task we have asked him to carry out.’’

The teams meet in the wake of contrasting opening-day fortunes.

While Glasgow were going down heavily to Leinster in Dublin, Ulster were sweeping aside the challenge of Welsh-Scottish League champions Swansea in Belfast.

Moffat added: ‘‘Our spies told us that although Swansea had several big names missing, Ulster performed very solidly.

‘‘We expect them to be very tactically aware and physically extremely strong like any Irish side.’’

Ulster coach Alan Solomons insisted last weekend’s results will have no bearing on tomorrow’s events.

He said: ‘‘It has been great to get such a positive start to the season, but Glasgow are certainly not the team that their Donnybrook scoreline suggests.

‘‘They are a strong side. They looked a good combination and with Hilton and Gordon Bulloch in the pack they will always be formidable up front.

‘‘Jon Petrie is an excellent number eight and Andy Nicol will keep everyone together from the base of the scrum.’’