Celtic League previews: Ulster expects, especially after last week's 41-3 thumping of Edinburgh in Scotland. It was arguably their best performance of the season as they ripped into the home side, scoring five tries.
Centre Ryan Constable helped himself to three, looking sharp and elusive. Kieron Campbell is finally delivering on his potential and providing direction for backs and forwards alike. One thing that has stood to the province is the relative lack of disruption to the team and coach Alan Solomons's ability to tweak personnel.
The pack were once again excellent, led ably by Andy Ward and with notable performances from Rod Moore, Matt McCullough and Tony McWhirter. Tonight they entertain a Cardiff team brimming with confidence after thrashing Neath-Swansea Ospreys last week.
Wing Lee Abdul scored four tries, equalling the record for the Celtic League competition. The return of Craig Quinnell after suspension will make a big difference to the pack but a high count of yellow cards still offers a question mark about the Welsh side's temperament.
Coach Dai Young has delayed naming his side because of injuries to several players in the pack.
Ulster's run has seen them climb to the top of the table and in recent weeks they have begun to pile on the points when dominating matches, a flaw in their displays earlier in the season.
Cardiff aren't as formidable away from home but still possess enough quality to make it a tough evening for the home side. Solomons will remind his side of the rugby that has seen them climb to the top and the quality that will keep them there for a little longer.
ULSTER: B Cunningham; J Topping, R Constable, S Stewart, T Howe; A Larkin, K Campbell; B Young, M Sexton, R Moore; M Mustchin, M McCullough; A Ward (capt), T McWhirter, N Best. Replacements: P Shields, R McCormack, R Frost, R Wilson, R Spee, S Mallon, S Young.
CARDIFF: tba.
Referee: M Changleng (Scotland).
Last time out: Ulster beat Edinburgh (a) 41-3. Cardiff beat Neath-Swansea Ospreys (h) 43-6.
Leading points scorers: Ulster - Adam Larkin 78. Cardiff - Nicky Robinson 68.
Verdict: Ulster.
UlstervCardiff
Ravenhill, 7.30
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/b8579731-42ca-490f-b2ff-27eb94cbcd65.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)