Celtic League: All the wrong records are tumbling in Ulster this year. Their 21-game winning streak at home was ended by Leinster in September, their Heineken European Cup aspirations took a shuddering blow away to Gloucester a fortnight ago, before Munster further eroded the fear factor of Ravenhill last weekend.

Just when embattled coach Mark McCall might be forgiven for thinking things cannot get any worse his team have another must-win match in Netherdale on Friday night against the Borders; the only side below them in the Celtic League standings.

"The limit of our ambition at the moment is the next game. We have to stop the rot somewhere and get on a winning streak soon," said McCall yesterday.

The match is an opportunity to recover from the 42-point drubbing in Kingsholm and also a chance to start rebuilding confidence ahead of their next jaunt in Europe, away to Stade Francais on December 4th.

Yesterday's Ireland selection had little effect on preparations, as McCall knew David Humphreys and Kevin Maggs would not be available. Nevertheless, with Paddy Wallace injured, they are thin on the ground at outhalf. Adam Larkin steps into the void, in just his third match of the season, much like he did during last year's World Cup.

After their week with the Irish squad, winger Tommy Bowe and number eight Roger Wilson have missed out on the starting 15, with the latter not even in the 22. Both players are pushing for a first cap against the US on Saturday week.

Wilson has a minor ankle complaint while Bowe, who is still a student on a part-time contract, has been rested for the first time this year to allow Andrew Maxwell game time. The only other change from the Munster defeat sees Kieran Campbell named ahead of Neil Doak at scrumhalf.

Leinster, meanwhile, travel to Wales to face Llanelli on Sunday without 10 internationals including Felipe Contepomi, who joined up with Argentina this week ahead of their autumn tour, which encompasses Ireland on November 27th. Victor Costello is out with a rib injury but is expected to be fit for Leinster's European group match at home to Bourgoin on December 4th.

Munster's John Kelly (ankle) and Alan Quinlan are doubtful for their match against Gwent Dragons at Musgrave Park on Saturday night.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; A Maxwell, J Bell, P Steinmetz, T Howe; A Larkin, K Campbell; S Best, P Shields, R Moore; R Frost, M McCullough; A Ward, N Best, C Feather. Replacements: N Brady, R McCormack, G Longwell, G Brown, N Doak, S Young, T Bowe.