Anderson out of Ulster squad

Flanker Thomas Anderson has been ruled out of the Ulster squad to tackle Munster in the Magners League on Saturday at Thomond Park (kick-off 7.30pm).

Locks Carol Del Fava and Ryan Caldwell also unavailable, prompting coach Matt Williams to list an extended 25 players.

Club captain Rory Best has been rested on the back of a hectic playing schedule with the armband passing over to experienced openside Kieron Dawson.

The finalised Ulster team and replacements will be announced on Friday.

Williams believes his players can spring a surprise if they can stay on the coattails of Munster, even at Thomond Park.

"If we go down to Munster, tackle our hearts out and stay within 10 points then we have every chance," Williams added.

"Everyone is alive and fighting. The top teams beat the bottom teams and the bottom teams beat the top teams, it's a very close and competitive league."

"We've been unlucky in that we've had a number of longer term injuries this season and our match against Llanelli away in the Heineken Cup was particularly bruising, but it happens to everyone and it's just our turn."

ULSTER Squad (v Munster):

Backs (12) - Isaac Boss, Darren Cave, Bryn Cunningham, Ian Humphreys, Paul Marshall, Mark McCrea, Timoci Nagusa, Niall O'Connor, Clinton Schifcoske, Paul Steinmetz, Andrew Trimble, Paddy Wallace.

Forwards (13) - BJ Botha, Nigel Brady, Tom Court, Kieron Dawson (capt), Robbie Diack, Stephen Ferris, Justin Fitzpatrick, Chris Henry, Matt McCullough, Ed O'Donoghue, Filo Paulo, Stuart Philpott, David Pollock.