McCall keeps his options open

Ulster coach Mark McCall will wait until Tuesday before finalising his team for the Magners League clash with Connacht at Ravenhill.

The league leaders welcome back their Irish international contingent following the week-long training camp in Portugal but McCall, who oversaw a light training session this morning, has opted to keep his options open in three positions.

Paddy Wallace, having excelled in the position for Ireland against the Pacific Islands,  is in line to make a rare start at out-half, but will drop to the bench if McCall chooses to stick with David Humphreys.

In the second-row either Matt McCullough or Tim Barker will start while McCall has also to make a decision whether hookers Paul Shields or Rory Best make the side.

Ulster: B Cunningham; M Bartholomeusz, P Steinmetz, K Maggs, A Trimble;  D Humphreys / P Wallace, K Campbell; J Fitzpatrick, P Shields / R Best, S Best (Captain); J Harrison, M McCullough / T Barker; N Best, N McMillan, R Wilson Replacements: P Shields / R Best, B Young, M McCullough / T Barker, K Dawson; I Boss, D Humphreys / P Wallace, T Bowe.