Lions have dominated the first few minutes in terms of territory and possession and now have an attacking lineout once again in Ulster's 22.

Play has been delayed slightly as Andy Warwick searches for a new pair of boots...

Lions have an early spell of possession in Ulster's 22 but spill the ball forward after some impressive Ulster defence.

Ulster have the scrum and will look to get the ball out of the danger zone.

Andrea Piardi blows the whistle and we're off here in Belfast.

Out-half Sanele Nohamba kicks off and Jake Flannery clears his lines.

Lions have the first line-out and have their first opportunity to attack in Ulster's 22.

The teams are on the pitch and the Kingspan Stadium is filling up.

It's cold but dry at the minute in Belfast, but some rain is forecast for later this evening which could lead to slippery conditions on the new 3G pitch.

Kick-off coming up...

Ulster head coach Dan McFarland to BBC Sport NI:

"We've got a lot of guys playing well at the moment and it's an opportunity for them to put themselves up against a top South African side.

On Scott Wilson:

"He's a young fella who struggled with an few injuries in pre-season. He's buckled down in the last few weeks and put in a few big games for Queens. It's going to be a big ask for him this week as the Lions have a big scrum but it's a great challenge for him."

The stage is set for a big game under the lights at the Kingspan Stadium.

It's chilly here in Belfast but dry at the minute - ideal conditions for rugby.

Not long to go until kick-off now...

Image source, Inpho

Chris Henry
Former Ireland flanker on BBC NI

"Ulster need to come out fast to give the fans something to shout about.

"Historically we know in home games it has been a fortress here in Belfast. When the fans get their voice up it adds so much to this team.

"Every team that comes here needs to know they are coming for a battle and a real challenge."

The big news for Ulster is the return of the big man to the starting XV - Iain Henderson.

The skipper is one of nine changes Dan McFarland makes to the team that beat Munster last time out.

Scott Wilson's impressive debut from the bench last week sees him start alongside Andy Warwick and Rob Herring in a totally altered front row.

Jake Flannery lines up against his former side at fly-half with James Hume recalled to centre as Stewart Moore moves out to full-back, replacing the injured Ethan McIlroy.

On the bench sees a return for Marty Moore, who is in line to make his first appearance since sustaining a serious knee injury in last season's New Year's Day contest against Munster.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

Signed from Munster in March 2022, Jake Flannery has had to bide his time for opportunities in Belfast with Billy Burns preferred at fly-half for Ulster.

But the 24-year-old gets the nod today against his former side and is looking to make an impression - not only for Dan McFarland's side but also Ireland.

Flannery played for Emerging Ireland in their tour of South Africa last year but has yet to receive a call-up to the senior squad.

"That's still a dream I have, to play for Ireland," Flannery told BBC Sport NI earlier this week.

"I felt that moving to Ulster would put me in a position where, if I could keep getting better, I could get game-time and push myself into that situation."

You can read more from that interview here

Image source, Inpho

Ulster v Lions is live on BBC Two NI and the BBC iPlayer

Image source, BBC Sport

Scott Wilson lived his childhood dream in last Friday's win over Munster.

The 21-year-old prop - a season ticket holder at Kingspan Stadium since he was eight years old - made his Ulster debut from the bench.

Given Ulster's injury woes in the front row, it shouldn't have been too much of a surprise for the U20's Six Nations Grand Slam winner to get the call but it still came as a bit of a shock and he had to fight the matchday nerves.

"I have to give a lot of credit to Iain [Henderson] and Rob [Herring], they really helped me this week and settle the nerves. I couldn't ask for any more.

"I was nervous getting my hands on the ball, knowing the sooner I could get my hands on the ball, the better. It's a bit of a step up from playing AIL but I definitely enjoyed it.

"It's definitely a dream come true. To get that opportunity in practically a sold-out stadium is pretty nuts."

Read more from Wilson here.

Image source, BBC Sport

It's that time again folks.... Friday night rugby live.

Ulster welcome South African side Lions to Belfast tonight - a week on from their entertaining second-half comeback victory over Munster.

It was a memorable week for Lions too as they recorded their first league win of the season with a last-gasp win in Llanelli, beating Scarlets by a point!

So hopefully we are set up for a corker!

If you're following along at home, don't forget you can watch live on this page, BBC Two NI and BBC iPlayer from 19:15 GMT - and if you're reading on your phone at the Kingspan Stadium, we hope you are wrapped up warm!

Image source, BBC Sport