Marshall only fresh concern for Ulster

Paul Marshall is the only fresh injury concern for Ulster as Brian McLaughlin today named a strong preliminary Ulster squad to face Leinster at Ravenhill in the RaboDirect PRO12 on Friday (5.15pm).

Marshall has been ruled out after an ultrasound scan has revealed that he has sustained some tendon damage to his right elbow.

He joins long term absentees Jared Payne, Simon Danielli, Chris Cochrane and Tim Barker on the sidelines.

Leinster have already ensured top seeding and a home semi-final in the RaboDirect PRO12.

They have suffered just one reversal in any competition since September, a 22-23 loss to Ospreys last month.

A Leinster win would ensure a first clean sweep by an Irish province in a season – winning all six inter-provincial clashes.

Ulster’s defeat at Connacht ended a four game winning run in the RaboDirect PRO12, but the Belfast based team remain just one point outside the top four going into the final two rounds of action.

They have another trip to Munster on the horizon on the last weekend of the regular season.

Having lost just once in their last 20 home outings - against Treviso back in October - Brian McLaughlin will be hoping his side can continue that form to challenge for a semi-final spot.

Provisional Ulster Squad:

Forwards: Callum Black, Tom Court, Declan Fitzpatrick, Adam Macklin, Paddy McAllister, Andi Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Rory Best, Lewis Stevenson, Johann Muller (captain), Dan Tuohy, Iain Henderson, Neil McComb, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, Pedrie Wannenburg, Ali Birch, Mike McComish, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack.

Backs: Blane McIlroy, Ruan Pienaar, Ian Porter, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Jackson, Paddy Wallace, Ian Whitten, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Nevin Spence, Michael Allen, Stefan Terblanche, Craig Gilroy, Conor Gaston, Andrew Trimble, Adam D’Arcy.

Unavailable due to injury: Jared Payne (Achilles), Chris Cochrane (foot), Tim Barker (back), Simon Danielli (hamstring), Paul Marshall (elbow).