There's an early line-out for Ulster after some neat work by Ethan McIlroy and Nathan Doak on the right.

Doak let go of the ball just before he rolled out of play, and the last touch came off the Lions.

Ulster win the set play and we're embroiled in a midfield battle for now.

It's the South Africans who get us rolling in Belfast.

Here comes the hosts to the traditional chorus of 'Stand up for the Ulstermen'.

We know nightclubs are opening in Northern Ireland in a couple of weeks, but there's some light show going on at the Kingspan before the players come out on the pitch.

That should keep everyone ticking over.

Michael Morrow
BBC Sport NI at Kingspan Stadium

Let's talk about Nathan Doak.

We might as well because everyone else is.

It wasn't lost on anybody that his third excellent performance of the season was delivered in front of Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, who will soon name his squad for the autumn internationals.

For what it's worth (arguably not a lot), I'm not sure we should be talking about Doak's place in the international set-up yet. Not because he's not talented, because he evidently is, and will likely go on to win plenty of Ireland caps.

But we should remember he has started only twice for Ulster, against Zebre and Benetton. A far cry from Ireland's November charges Japan, Argentina and the small rugby nation of New Zealand.

An exceptional talent, who is already offering plenty to his province. International action will come, but there is absolutely no need to rush.

On his 200th Ulster appearance, Rob Herring was meant to be the star man last Friday against Benetton.

However it was his daughter, Milly, who stole the show with this hilarious post-match interview.

This is well worth a watch.

One of four new South African teams to the United Rugby Championship, the Lions have had a mixed season so far.

They started off with a convincing victory over Zebre Parma on the opening weekend, but have since lost to Scarlets and Glasgow Warriors.

That leaves the Lions 11th in the table, nine places and nine points behind Ulster.

Image source, Inpho

Ulster maintained their unbeaten start to the season by seeing off Italian side Benetton at Kingspan Stadium.

Nathan Doak was the star of the show as he scored two tries and kicked four conversions to see Dan McFarland's men over the line.

Speaking of the Ulster Rugby Show...

Tommy Bowe and Gavin Andrews are joined (in spirit) by Rory Best, while Ulster's head of operations Bryn Cunningham and former player Louis Ludik drop in for a chat.

You can check it out here.

Image source, BBC Sport

Ulster's head of operations Bryn Cunningham says the province moved to sign Duane Vermeulen in the hope that the World Cup winner would influence the team off the pitch as much as he would on it.

Back row Vermeulen will link up with Ulster in late November after playing for the Barbarians against Samoa.

The signing of the Springbok took many by surprise, with Ulster pouncing for a world class signing after a deal with forward Leone Nakarawa with fell through.

Speaking to the Ulster Rugby Show, Cunningham opened the door on the deal to bring the South African to Belfast.

"Going after someone like Duane, it was trying to get to the point where something would come out of the woodwork. He came out of the woodwork through an agent that I do a lot of work with who was Ruan Pienaar's agent," Cunningham said.

Watch more below, including being sold the "golfing dream"!

Can Ulster's 'Wolffs' tame the Lions?

Image source, Inpho

Unbeaten Ulster will face the Lions in the United Rugby Championship on Friday with the same starting team which battled past Benetton last weekend.

Will Addison is selected at full-back alongside Ethan McIlroy and Craig Gilroy on the wings, while Stewart Moore and James Hume form the centre partnership.

Doak, who has impressed after stepping in for the injured John Cooney and scored two tries against Benetton, is named at half-back with Billy Burns.

Despite coming off with a finger injury against last time out, Andrew Warwick is named in the front row at loosehead alongside Ulster's latest double-centurion, Rob Herring at hooker and Tom O'Toole at tighthead prop.

Sam Carter will again lead the side, and is paired with Alan O'Connor in the engine room. Matty Rea is retained at blindside, with Nick Timoney at openside and David McCann is named at Number Eight.

Image source, BBC Sport

New to the United Rugby Championship? Here's how it works.

Three wins from thee & maximum bonus-points - it's been a great start to the season for Ulster as they look to end their long, long wait for silverware.

BBC Two

Don't forget, you can watch tonight's game on BBC Two NI, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Stephen Watson is joined by (not that they need any introduction) Ulster and Ireland legends Rory Best and Tommy Bowe.

Jim Neilly and David Humphreys are on commentary duty.

If you're at Kingspan or can't watch the game, keep up with any updates right here.

Image source, BBC Sport

They say Ulster streams on the BBC are like busses. You wait ages for one to come along and then two happen at once.

Ulster have bene flying this season with three wins from three games - can they make it four in front of the BBC cameras tonight?

Friday nights, under the lights - it just seems right.

Thanks for joining us. It should be a cracker.

Image source, Inpho