The pressure increased on Dan Parks - preferred at stand-off by coach Frank Hadden in the first two games of this season's RBS 6 Nations - after another indifferent showing against Wales.

Hadden now faces a dilemma over who to select in the number 10 shirt for the trip to Dublin to tackle Ireland in a week's time.

If he decides to take Sydney-born Parks out of the firing line the most obvious replacement is former captain Chris Paterson, who was dropped from the starting line-up for the RBS 6 Nations opener against France.

But Paterson was needed at full-back for the game against Wales and unless Simon Webster and Rory Lamont are fit enough to be considered against Ireland then the Gloucester utility back will have to continue in the back three.

That would have opened the way for Godman to enter the selection mix but three missed penalties and a generally uninspiring all-round performance from the stand-off in the 7-11 loss will count against him as Hadden makes his choices for Croke Park.

Lamont failed to return to action for Sale against Leeds but is likely to be back in the squad at least while Webster also missed Edinburgh's narrow defeat against Munster - although Ally Hogg was in fine form as he seeks a recall.

Better news concerned Simon Danielli, a replacement on the wing against Wales, as he scored a try as former Scotland coach Matt Williams got his tenure as Ulster coach off to the perfect start against the Dragons.