Ulster hoping to keep pressure on Leinster

Ulster v Dragons Ravenhill, 7.10 On TV: Setanta (deferred, 9.30)Ulster coach Mark McCall knows he is in a privileged position in terms of personnel when taken against the constraints imposed by international commitments on his counterparts in Leinster and Munster.

Only hooker Rory Best is ruled out, while scrumhalf Isaac Boss - who started for Ireland against France - has been given permission by national coach Eddie O'Sullivan to line out tonight. David Humphreys has recovered from his elbow injury, but Matt McCullough (toe) and Mark Bartholomeusz (knee) are sidelined.

A late decision will be taken on number eight Roger Wilson, who picked up an injury while playing for Ireland in the A international against the England Saxons at Ravenhill last Friday.

Stephen Ferris will anchor the middle of the backrow with Wilson's fitness decreeing whether he can take his place on the bench. If he can't, then recent signing Sam Harding will make the match 22 for the first time.

McCall will also be aware of the pressure that having his players available to him brings."It's great to get them back in such big numbers and have a full deck to play with for this match. The Dragons have been going very well though, beating Bristol who lead the Guinness Premiership back to back, and winning five games on the bounce. January has been a good month for them."

The Welsh side include a couple of experienced internationals at halfback in Gareth Cooper and Ceri Sweeney. Aled Thomas moves from outhalf to fullback but Wales under-20 captain Ashley Smith is ruled out with a shoulder injury. Phil Dolman comes into the midfield.

There is just one change to the pack from the side that beat the Borders 48-0 in the last Magners Celtic League match with Andrew Hall coming in at blindside flanker and former Wales captain Michael Owen moving to number eight.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Bowe, P Steinmetz, P Wallace, A Trimble; D Humphreys, I Boss; J Fitzpatrick, P Shields, S Best (capt); J Harrison, T Barker; N Best, K Dawson, S Ferris. Replacements: S Philpott, B Young, R Caldwell, R Wilson/S Harding, K Campbell, K Maggs, P McKenzie.

DRAGONS: A Thomas; G Wyatt, P Emerick, P Dolman, A Brew; C Sweeney, G Cooper; A Black, B Daly, J Corsi; L Charteris, P Sidoli; A Hall, J Ringer, M Owen (capt). Replacements: R Wilkes, G Robinson, C Charvis, N Fitisemanu, R Fussell, M Hercus, A Walker.

Referee: D Changleng (Scotland).

LEADING POINTS SCORERS: Ulster - David Humphreys 114. Dragons - Ceri Sweeney 91.

LEADING TRY SCORERS: Ulster - Tommy Bowe, Bryn Cunningham, Paul Steinmetz, 4 each. Dragons - Aled Brew, Adam Black, Nic Fitisemanu, 3 each.

VERDICT: Ulster to win.