Best and Ferris out of Aironi trip

Ulster will have to survive without Rory Best and Stephen Ferris for their first away date in the Magners League at Aironi in Italy this weekend.

Coach Brian McLaughlin said: "This is Aironi's first home game in the Magners League so basically we're expecting World War Three. They will be very agressive and physical, they played exceptionally well against Munster last weekend."

"They have a good pack that is very well directed by Mercier. They have signed very well and key for them is Bortolami in the lineout."

ULSTER SQUAD (v Aironi):

Forwards

Tom Court, Paddy McAllister, Bryan Young, Declan Fitzpatrick, Adam Macklin, Neil McComb, Nigel Brady, Andi Kyriacou, Johann Muller, Tim Barker, Chris Henry, Ryan Caldwell, Willie Faloon, TJ Anderson, Robbie Diack, Pedrie Wannenburg

Backs

Adam D'Arcy, David McIlwaine, Nevin Spence, Tommy Seymour, Jonny Shiels, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Paddy Wallace, Ian Humphreys, Niall O'Connor, Ian Porter, Paul Marshall, Jamie Smith