Trip to Munster 'feels like a cup final' - Carson

Ulster's Ben Carson says Saturday's United Rugby Championship [URC] match with Munster at Thomond Park [17:30 BST] "is almost going to feel like a final".

The 24-year-old centre will start in Limerick after not featuring in last weekend's defeat by Leinster, a result which dropped Ulster drop to fifth in the URC standings, a point above Munster in sixth.

With a lengthy injury list for this weekend's trip to Limerick, there is added pressure on Richie Murphy's side to return with points against a Munster side whose eggs are now exclusively in the domestic basket as their European hopes are over for another year.

After next week's European Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter Chiefs, Ulster round off their regular season URC schedule with home games against the Stormers and Glasgow with a top-eight finish securing a play-off spot, but should they break into the top four, it will seal a home quarter-final.

Just four points separate fourth-place Lions and ninth-place Connacht, so there is no margin for error and Carson insists all eyes are on this week and not what is to follow.

"It's the business end of the season and there is a lot of pressure on these games but these are the games you live for as a professional rugby player," Carson told BBC Sport NI.

"This game is almost going to feel like a final.

"Every point matters and going into a big game next week, there is a lot of pressure, but hopefully we will thrive on it.

"It's an interpro and they are intense, physical and everyone has a point to prove. All eyes are on this weekend, not next week. We're just thinking about Saturday night in Thomond."

'We want to do the coaching staff proud'

While injury will limit Ulster's options this week with a host of regulars set to miss out, it gives others an opportunity to shine.

Carson has endured his own frustrations on that front, but is ready to play his part this week if selected and is confident others on the fringes are keen to grab their opportunity.

"It's rugby and it happens. It's a physical sport and there are lads waiting on their opportunity, so we will hopefully take it with two hands and win this weekend," he added.

"I'd been out of training for a few weeks, struggling with a few niggles, but I'm back now and looking forward to the weekend.

"If you can prove you can play well in these big games then the coaches will be happy with you. He [Murphy] is happy to give the younger players a chance, and we just want to do him proud and perform really well."