Ulster coach Matt Williams has no fear in unleashing BJ Botha on Llanelli Scarlets tonight – even though the former Springboks prop only arrived in Belfast five days ago.

Botha, who was released early from his Natal Sharks contract so that he could be available for the start of Ulster’s season, is one of nine changes in person

nel and two positional switches from the side that lost to Worcester 10 days ago.

The 17-times capped Springbok, who only met his new team-mates at his first training session on Monday, will start at tighthead prop alongside Ireland hooker Rory Best and former Ireland prop Justin Fitzpatrick in a new-look front row.

“Brendon has been training with the Sharks for the last few weeks so I have no concerns over his fitness levels, he has impressed us all at training this week and I am delighted to name him in the side,” said Williams.

“It is important to hit the ground running and I feel we have picked a strong side for the first game.

“We are ready for the Scarlets, I have mentioned this week that we have had selection issues in that we have a great squad to choose from, that is something I am really pleased about.”

While Williams is hopeful of a winning start to his side’s Magners League campaign, his targets are more longer term.

“This team is going to grow over a number of seasons and the players we have got here including the overseas boys, we would love to see stay here and be part of this,” he added.

“I would like to see the supporters come tonight with the feeling that we are going on a bit of a journey. We want to win tonight but we also want the supporters see we have a plan here to take this forward. It is going to be a great journey.”