Celtic League: Ulster coach Mark McCall has named the strongest squad available for the first of a three-game Christmas campaign that starts with the visit of Edinburgh to Ravenhill on Friday night.
Unlike the other provinces, who are all likely to rest key players this weekend, McCall is keen to nurture the winning mentality gained last weekend against Stade Francais, which keeps their European hopes alive into the early New Year at least.
"Next Friday night is a big game for us," he said. "It's no use to me if people in the Celtic League game are not getting into that same sort of mentality. We've had a couple of false dawns this year so it's imperative that we push on from here."
Jonny Bell has been ruled out with a nose injury sustained against Stade, although he did play on after treatment, and Scott Young has a hamstring strain. Tyrone Howe and Andrew Maxwell come into the reckoning.
Neil Best is added to the long list of back-row absentees. He is suspended for picking up his third yellow card of the season against Llanelli on November 28th. Short-term signing Gavin Psifter is promoted to the squad.
The South African flanker was drafted in recently from English Division One side Pertemps Bees as cover for the injured Neil McMillan and Andy Ward. The 30-year old may come from semi-professional rugby but he does have experience with Free State and Western Province.
Also, front-row brothers Simon and Rory Best return to the squad. Hooker Nigel Brady returns to the All-Ireland league this weekend.
Leinster's Gordon D'Arcy is unlikely to be be risked for Saturday's trip to Cardiff. The goal is to use him off the bench or as a starter against either Ulster (December 27th, Donnybrook) or Munster (New Year's Day).
Manager Paul McNaughton said: "We hope to give some of the guys a rest over the next three weeks, while still playing a competitive team in the Celtic League games ahead of the resumption of the European Cup."
A team will be announced today, with a Munster XV to follow tomorrow ahead of their top of the table showdown with the Neath-Swansea Ospreys
ULSTER SQUAD: Forwards: Ronan McCormack; Simon Best; Rod Moore; Paul Shields; Rory Best; Rowan Frost; Matt McCullough; Gary Longwell; Matt Mustchin; Gavin Pfister; Campbell Feather; Roger Wilson. Backs: Bryn Cunningham; Tommy Bowe; Andrew Maxwell; Tyrone Howe; Paul Steinmetz; Kevin Maggs; Adam Larkin; David Humphreys; Neil Doak; Kieran Campbell.
