Kieran Marmion, who has started every game this season, remains in the half back pairing with Dan Parks.

Connacht’s 'Player of the Month' for March, Brian Murphy, is named at first centre for his fifth Connacht start this year.

Denis Buckley, Willie Faloon, Eoghan Grace, Jason Harris-Wright, Johnny O'Connor, Eoin McKeon, Dave McSharry, Frank Murphy, Dave Nolan, Kyle Tonetti and Nathan White all remain unavailable for selection due to injury.

Elwood was delighted with last weekend’s performance but insists the players must back that up with a big eighty minutes against league leaders Ulster.

"We were obviously happy with last week's win against Edinburgh,” Elwood said.

“It was a very good victory for us but we're not getting carried as it means nothing if we can't back it up and have consistency now in this derby match against Ulster.

"We have a point to prove in that were nilled up in Belfast and that's a big incentive.

“We were disappointed with our away performances in the derby fixtures so we have another opportunity for four points here.

"We're looking forward to a physical contest. You can't shy away from the physicality.

“You have to be able to go toe-to-toe up front with Ulster and you have to be able to control the break down area. And that's key for us this weekend.

"We'll have the extra spice of the derby game at home. They're looking for top four and we still believe we have a lot to play for with three to go. So it should be ding dong."

CONNACHT (v Ulster): R Henshaw; D Poolman, E Griffin, B Murphy, G Duffy (capt); D Parks, K Marmion; B Wilkinson, A Flavin, R Loughney; M Swift, M McCarthy; M Kearney, J Muldoon, G Naoupu.

Replacements: E Reynecke, R Ah You, JP Cooney, A Browne, M Fifita, P O'Donohoe, M Nikora, F Vainikolo.