Desperate though Ulster's plight is, at least their position is fairly clear-cut. Barring a mutually beneficial draw in Donnybrook, a nine-point win will definitely see them into next season's European Cup.

"It could be worse," concedes Davey Hazlett. "We've worked it out and the team are aware of this." All in all, could the importance of the game weigh heavily on his young team? "I don't think it will," maintains Hazlett. who points out that the tag of underdogs which Ulster wear against Munster will suit his relatively inexperienced side.

Indeed, in their first home game of the interpros, Ulster ought to produce their best display of the campaign. Maurice Field's return and mere presence should comfort those around him, and with the speedy Stanley McDowell reverting to fullback, Ulster look to have more pace out wide.

Munster haven't won at Ravenhill in 15 years and have a big question mark over their loosehead position with Gavin Walsh and Noel Healy facing late fitness tests.

But Munster aren't the side you'd want to be seeking favours from. They still have that core of experience up front in Peter Clohessy, Mick Galwey, Eddie Halvey and Anthony Foley - internationals all, who can gain a hold of things when the going gets tough.

Admittedly, if Ulster can negate that famed back-row, Munster haven't as yet unearthed too much potency elsewhere. But what has set Munster apart from the rest, so far, is their defence.

Last five seasons: Munster 27, Ulster 24; Ulster 14, Munster 10; Munster 17, Ulster 16; Ulster 24, Munster 21; Munster 11, Ulster 12.

Ulster: S McDowell (Ballymena); J Cunningham (Ballymena), M Field (Malone), S Coulter (Ballymena), A Park (Ballymena); S Laing (Portadown), S Bell (Dungannon); R Mackey (Malone), S Ritchie (Ballymena), G Leslie (Dungannon), T McWhirter (Ballymena), G Longwell (Ballymena), S McKinty (Ballymena, capt), K Gallick (City of Derry), A Ward (Ballynahinch).

Munster: D Crotty (Garryowen); A Horgan (Cork Con), C Mahony (Dolphin), S McCahill (Sunday's Well), M Lynch (Young Munster); R O'Gara (Cork Con), S McIvor (Garryowen); A N Other, P Cunningham (Garryowen), P Clohessy (Young Munster), M Galwey (Shannon, capt), S Leahy (Garryowen), E Halvey (Shannon), A Foley (Shannon), D Wallace (Garryowen).