Anscombe facing second-row dilemma

Ulster lock Lewis Stevenson has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks after picking up a knee injury in Friday’s 45-20 win over Edinburgh meaning Neil McComb is the only fit lock head coach Mark Anscombe has at his disposal.

Stevenson limped off in the 39th minute at Ravenhill on Friday after suffering medial ligament damage but the Ulster medical team are hopeful the second row could return for the province’s Heineken Cup double header against Northampton next month.

Ulster captain Johann Muller is currently sidelined with a thumb injury, while Dan Tuohy and Iain Henderson are training with the Ireland squad ahead of the Autumn Internationals, rendering McComb the side’s only fit lock.

Ireland back row Stephen Ferris followed Stevenson off the pitch early in the second half with an ankle injury.

He will report to the Ireland medical staff for treatment and management.