Rugby:Ulster will look to bounce back from their Magners League defeat to Leinster without Andrew Trimble and Paddy Wallace against Connacht at Ravenhill on Friday.
Brian McLaughlin’s side suffered a first defeat in seven at the RDS last Saturday, a deflating defeat after a remarkable run.
Ulster, therefore, are still in search of their first win against Irish opposition this season and, with a play-off place at stake, that needs to come this weekend. And it will have to be done without the two Ireland internationals, who have each fractured a thumb.
Table-toppers Munster have secured a home semi-final, but only three points separate Leinster in second and Ospreys in third, with Ulster sandwiched in between. The Cardiff Blues also remain at threat, just three points behind Ospreys with a game in hand.
Other than the aforementioned duo and long-term absentee Stephen Ferris, McLaughlin has the players to stay ahead of the Welsh sides, but there will be two big holes to fill, at inside centre and on the right wing.
McLaughlin is expected to name his side on Thursday, as he hopes to go one better than the 15-15 draw at the Sportsground in September.
Ulster Squad
Forwards:Jerry Cronin, Tom Court, BJ Botha, Paddy McAllister, Bryan Young, Rory Best, Nigel Brady, Andi Kyriacou, Ryan Caldwell, Dan Tuohy, Johann Muller, Neil McComb, Tim Barker, Pedrie Wannenburg, TJ Anderson, Willie Faloon, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack.
Backs:Ruan Pienaar, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Niall O'Connor, Ian Whitten, Nevin Spence, Darren Cave, Mark McCrea, Simon Danielli, Tommy Seymour, Craig Gilroy, Conor Gaston, Jamie Smith, Adam D'Arcy.
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