Published Thursday, 05 January 2012
Wallace has returned to the squad after seven weeks on the sidelines with tendon damage in his thumb.
The other Irish internationals are welcomed back into the starting XV. Andrew Trimble, Stephen Ferris, Tom Court and Rory Best all missed the Inter-provincial games over the festive period.
Trimble's return sees Craig Gilroy shift to the left wing. Stefan Terblanche moves back to fullback, with Adam D'Arcy the player making way.
Ian Whitten and Darren Cave form the centre partnership again, while Ruan Pienaar and Ian Humphreys continue as half backs.
Best and Court are included in the front row in place of Andi Kyriacou and the injured Paddy McAllister.
They're joined by All Black prop John Afoa, who picked up the man of the match award in the 33-17 win over Munster last weekend.
Captain Johann Muller and Dan Tuohy once again combine in the second row.
Ferris' inclusion on the blindside flank sees Chris Henry moves to the openside berth, while Pedrie Wannenburg remains at number 8.
Edinburgh have lost only one of their last seven encounters at Murrayfield, while Ulster have lost only one of their last five matches in all competitions.
With Ulster just sven points adrift of fourth spot, a win would be a huge boost to their hopes of progressing to the play offs, but coach Brian McLaughlin admits a defeat would be damaging.
"It's a crucial game for us, not only in terms of the PRO12, but also with Europe in mind next week," he said.
"We must keep winning games in the PRO12 to put ourselves back in contention. Edinburgh have been playing well this season and like to play a good brand of rugby, but we will be looking to put in a quality performance and getting the result.
"Training has been excellent all week. It's been great having the internationals back, including Paddy.
"It really gives us a boost coming into such important games and they will bring a bit extra to the team on Friday night.
"They're itching to get involved again and we are looking forward to having them back in."
McLaughlin admits he was faced with some tough decisions in terms of selection this week.
"Adam D'Arcy has been playing very well over the past few matches but Stefan has a bit more experience and we wanted to give him an opportunity to impress at fullback.
"With Andrew coming back in it gave us an opportunity to rotate a bit and make use of the strong squad we've assembled."