John O'Sullivan

So that tells you where the bookies think this game is going.

And in fairness to Ulster, they've got the extra match the following week.

So it'll be very interesting to see what sort of team they can send down to Tholman Park.

It's just unfortunate if it's a much weakened team.

Well, I suppose the short answer to your question is yes.

In all probability, hopefully a large tranche of those players will come back and it won't be kind of medium term because that's what it is now, a medium term injury.

I think for Ulster, it's just hugely unfortunate and disappointing for Richie and his coaching team, the players, the supporters.

But you're dogged by this sort of injury list when it comes to the business end of the season and obviously a semi-final the following week against Exeter.

There's not a lot you can do about it except go with a positive attitude.

He's going to have to lean very, very, very heavily on his academy structure, if you like, and academy players to get through this week, sprinkled with, I presume, a backbone of senior players.

So, yeah, very difficult.

And it's difficult to see them being able to get anything out of Saturday's game in Limerick.

Yeah, I think it would put three of the four provinces to the pin of their collar to have that sort of injury list.

Leinster are probably best placed to cope with something like that.

But even they would be difficult for them.

I think the other thing is that you've got to remember that the Challenge Cup semi-final is in Belfast.

So they're playing a home game essentially.

And it's a wonderful opportunity to go and compete for silverware.

And knowing Richie as I do, I don't think he would just kind of say, well, we're going to put all our eggs in one basket.

You have to find a way in which you're competitive across the next couple of weekends and keep your fingers and toes crossed that you don't pick up any more injuries.