Ulster focus on the basics

Border Reivers v Ulster, Netherdale (7.30):Complacency is the biggest threat to Ulster as they bid to move above the Ospreys and back into second place with a bonus-point victory tonight.

They can use Leinster as an example of what can go wrong, the Magners Celtic League leaders one of the Border Reivers' two scalps this season.

Ulster coach Mark McCall will emphasise the importance of a correct attitude from the start of this contest, especially as his side have struggled with their form post-Christmas. There is little doubt they are much the better side but the only proving ground that matters is the pitch tonight.

Borders were on the receiving end of a thumping away to Llanelli last week, and their coach, Steve Bates, has made four changes. Behind the scrum Nick De Luca starts at centre, Bryan Rennie dropping to the bench. Up front John Dalziel switches to flanker, making room for Craig Hamilton, who starts in the second row alongside Opeta Palepoi.

Bates said: "Last week Llanelli showed us why they are Heineken Cup semi-finalists and pushed our resolve to the limits. However, this week will give us an opportunity to play in front of a patriotic Borders crowd and I have no doubt it will help lift the team's spirits during this difficult time."

Paul Steinmetz and Matt McCullough are absentees but other than that Ulster are at full strength. On the bench two of Ireland's Grand Slam-winning Under-20 team feature: captain David Pollack and for the first time centre Darren Cave.

For Ulster the focus will be the accurate execution of the basics, something they haven't managed consistently in recent games. They have to win their set-piece ball and release the strong-running Andrew Trimble and Tommy Bowe and the sheer pace of left wing Andrew Maxwell.

Any thing other than an Ulster victory would constitute a massive surprise.

BORDER REIVERS: S Moffat; D Flockhart, B MacDougall, N De Luca, G Law; S Jones, C Cusiter (capt); G Kerr, R Ford, B Douglas; O Palepoi, C Hamilton; J Dalziel, A Miller, K Brown. Replacements: S Scott, B McNeil, S Grimes, R Vernon, R Chrystie, G Townsend, B Rennie.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Bowe, A Trimble, P Wallace, A Maxwell; D Humphreys, I Boss; B Young, R Best, S Best (capt); J Harrison, R Caldwell; S Ferris, N Best, R Wilson. Replacements: P Shields, J Fitzpatrick, T Barker, D Pollack, K Campbell, D Cave, P McKenzie.

Referee: Tim Hayes (Wales).

Last time they met:Ulster 32 Reivers 8.

Leading points scorers: Border Reivers- Calum MacRae 68. Ulster- David Humphreys 130.

Leading try scorers: Border Reivers- Simon Danielli 3. Ulster- Paul Steinmetz, Andrew Trimble 5 each.

Verdict: Ulster to win.