Bell joins Ulster’s long injury list
Bell's defection comes on the back of news that Lions lock Jeremy Davidson (replaced by Mark Blair) is out for at least another two weeks.
Bell limped off during Friday's Heineken Cup victory over Cardiff and it was confirmed yesterday that he had torn a medial ligament in his left knee. It will keep the former international centre sidelined for at least three weeks.
The upshot means Adam Larkin will come in for a rare start this season alongside Shane Stewart in midfield, while Scott Young continues on the left wing in place of the injured Tyrone Howe.
Despite the long list of injuries that has seen skipper Andy Ward, Robbie Brink and Paddy Wallace play little part in Ulster's campaign this season, coach Alan Solomons is delighted at the way other players step in.
"The players that we have brought in have been simply magnificent, and have helped keep our season going," Solomons said.
"It's not easy to keep winning without key players but we have an excellent squad who are willing to back each other up," he said.
"On saying that, Friday's game is going to be massive. It will be another step up from what we have seen this season. Llanelli are probably the best team in Wales and they will want to win this game to keep their season alive."
David Humphreys said that he expects a typically hard game from the Welsh side.
"I was speaking to Llanelli scrum-half Guy Easterby yesterday, and he said that the boys are really up for the game," Humphreys said.
"We have never beaten Llanelli home or away in the Celtic League or in
Europe, so we know what to expect. They are a big physical side and always hard to beat, and I know they will be all geared up to beat us," he said.
Solomons has conceded that the game is going to be the survival of the fittest and the bravest.
"This is the big one for both teams. We have to win to go through to the next stage and Llanelli have to win to do the same. It's going to be a huge match."
Ulster gave themselves the perfect build-up with a 25-6 home win over Cardiff in the Heineken Cup last Friday and will be banking on their Ravenhill faithful playing a major role again.
Meanwhile, Llanelli director of rugby Gareth Jenkins has warned his side that they must cut out the errors if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.
The Scarlets put up a brave performance on Friday night but could not overcome a strong Bourgoin side in France, losing 54-38 in the Heineken Cup.
"I thought we played well against Bourgoin and were more than unlucky to lose the game," Jenkins said.
"The difference between the sides on the night was that we made too many errors," he said.
"Three of those errors cost us points and we must cut them out if we are to win against Ulster."
ULSTER: B. Cunningham; J. Topping; S. Stewart, A. Larkin, S. Young; D. Humphreys, N. Doak; J. Fitzpatrick, M. Sexton, R. Kempson, G. Longwell, M. Blair, W. Brosnihan, N. McMillan, T. McWhirter.
Replacements: S. Best, P. Shields, M. McCullough, N. Best, K. Campbell, S. Coulter, R. Constable.
POOL A: Qualified Edinburgh Rugby and Munster.
In the mix: Ulster, Neath and Llanelli.
Out: Swansea, Ebbw Vale and Caerphilly.
POOL B: Qualified Pontypridd, Connacht, Cardiff and Glasgow Rugby.
Out: Leinster Lions, Borders, Bridgend and Newport.
Fixtures: Friday: Munster v Caerphilly, Thomond Park 7.30pm; Ulster v Llanelli, Ravenhill, 7.35pm; Edinburgh v Neath, Edinburgh, 7.30pm; Glasgow v Connacht, Glasgow, 7.30pm.
Saturday: Swansea v Ebbw Vale, St Helen's, 2.30pm; Pontypridd v Cardiff, Pontypridd Bridgend v Leinster, Brewery Field, 2.30pm; Newport v Borders, Newport.
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