A huge pack, a balanced back-row, a commanding half-back partnership and an electric backline... can Connacht topple the best Ulster team of the modern era?

Connacht go into the match tomorrow facing a formidable opponent. Ulster welcome back to their team the Irish outhalf Paddy Jackson and Irish internationals Chris Henry and Andrew Trimble, alongside Jared Payne and Lewis Stevenson. Their front row is a hugely experienced unit, with the phenomonal Rory Best captaining the side from hooker. With Chris Henry returning Ulster have a "proper" openside flanker, in contrast to Connacht's Muldoon who is forced out of his natural position due to injuries to both Faloon and O'Connor.

The backline makes for no easier reading for Connacht fans. Orchestrated by South African star Ruan Pienaar, and dotted with internationals and up and coming stars, the backline is as good as any provincial team has produced recently. The back three are experienced campaigners and will sorely test the two youngsters opposite them. In the center Cave's experience will allow their young start inside center, Stuart Olding, to shine. With a running outhalf like Jackson and a big scrumhalf there is plenty of potential there for Ulster to exploit.

Connacht on the ohter hand are missing some key personnel across the park and are dipping deep to fill the bench, with inexperienced men having to fill some gaps. Muldoon as mentioned is forced out of position meaning that Connacht may well be fighting a losing battle on the ground. At inside center Murphy will have a tough time containing Olding and Jackson, and Parks' efforts in defence will need to be solid.

Discipline will be very important in this match in particular, as Connacht cannot allow Ulster to build up a confidence bolstering points cushion, nor can they afford to get on the wrong side of Mr. Fitzgibbons. They cannot lose the contact area, and they cannot lose their concentration. Connacht must front up across the pitch, and a monumental effort will be required from the boys to get a result. There is enough talent and heart in this team to beat this great Ulster side.

The key here may well be the atmosphere. In that regard we must help generate an atmosphere in which failure is not an option. The passion of the fans, the belief of the players and the urge to give Eric fond memories of his last Inter-Provincial match, are very important elements in a match like this, and Connacht will need to take all their advantages. So if you are a fan, and you are heading to the Sportsground tomorrow, do your best to generate that atmosphere...