CELTIC LEAGUE Llanelli seek revival in Ulster

Humphreys missed the defeat by the Blues last week due to a hamstring injury and he is still having intensive treatment for the problem.

However, with Ulster having to avoid defeat to book a place in the Celtic Cup competition, coach Mark McCall may be tempted to risk the Irish fly-half.

If Humphreys plays, kicking duties may have to be handed to Paul Steinmetz.

Steinmetz substituted for Humphreys with some aplomb two weeks ago against the Borders when the injury first troubled the fly-half.

The presence of Humphreys will certainly boost Ulster (39 points) who are lying in eighth place in the League three points ahead of Connacht and four better off than the Blues.

Both Ulster and Connacht face opposition who are chasing for a home spot in the Celtic Cup.

At present Llanelli are fourth one point ahead of the Dragons who host Connacht at Rodney Parade on Saturday evening.

We want to have a crack of defending the Cup we won last season Mark McCall

The Blues also come into the equation. Victory by four or more tries over bottom club Borders will see them finish on 40 points.

But Ulster's chances of defending the Celtic Cup which they won last season, is all up to themselves.

If they defeat the Scarlets they will book an away trip to the Ospreys who wrapped up the League title last month.

A draw, or a two bonus points, would also have the same result, no matter what Connacht do as Ulster's points difference is much superior.

"We want to have a crack of defending the Cup we won last season," said McCall.

"This is the last season it will run, so I want us to be in it."

To do that, Ulster players will have to focus and step up to the oche as they have done on a minimal of occasions this season.

Too many of the squad are in the comfort zone. If they want to prove they are worthy to be in the starting line-up, now's the ideal time to prove it.