Lyn Jones's side recorded a convincing bonus-point 48-17 win in Swansea last weekend against the Irish outfit to keep the pressure on group leaders Gloucester. The Welsh region face a much more difficult task across the Irish Sea and fly-half James Hook, who scored 13 points at the Liberty Stadium a week ago, believes the Ospreys are ready for the challenge ahead.

Hook said: "We're confident after last week's great all-round performance and it was certainly one of our best. We know we've got three cup finals left and have the ability to win them all, but we also know it's going to be a huge task. Last season we shipped 40-odd points and were taught a big lesson.

"A lot of us remember the atmosphere and how Ulster play at home. Ravenhill is intimidating and the crowd are right on top of you. They live off that. If we give Ulster a sniff, their tremendous supporters will get behind them and suddenly we'll be under pressure.

"Ravenhill is a fortress for them so it's vital we start well and silence the crowd as quickly as possible. Gloucester gained a bonus point in the blink of an eye in Belfast so we know this game is huge for us. We're optimistic about our prospects. If we can win and get that bonus point, it would set up a massive match against Gloucester next month."

Ospreys: L Byrne; N Walker, M Taylor, S Parker, S Williams; J Hook, J Marshall, D Jones, H Bennett, A Jones, AW Jones, I Evans, J Thomas, F Tiatia (capt), M Holah

Replacements: R Hibbard, P James, I Gough, H T-Pole, M Phillips, S Connor, A Bishop