Ulster facing a formidable task

Cardiff V UlsterGIVEN ULSTER'S patchy form, a win this evening against the second -placed team in the league is a long shot. The performance against Connacht last week was good enough to win but no more, although Ulster coped well in the prevailing tough conditions. For Ulster's last away game of the season, coach Matt Williams has made six personnel changes to the starting line-up.

Nigel Brady comes in for the injured Rory Best at hooker, with former Irish international, Kieron Dawson, taking up the captain's role. Stuart Philpott is named on the bench alongside Neil Best who will act as back row cover for Matt McCullough, Dawson and Roger Wilson. Ryan Caldwell and Carlo Del Fava make up the second row with Australian lock, Justin Harrison, named as a replacement.

Mark McCrea will make his first start at full back for his province and is among three changes to the backs. Paddy Wallace is omitted with Scotland's Rob Dewey forming the midfield partnership with Andrew Trimble. Isaac Boss is named on the bench with Paul Marshall starting at scrumhalf.

Cardiff welcome back Jamie Roberts and Gethin Jenkins who have both recovered from minor ankle injuries but Xavier Rush (injured bicep) and Jamie Robinson (groin strain) miss out.

"They are an experienced team with a lot of stars and I believe where they are in the league at the moment isn't where they should be and want to be," said Cardiff director of rugby David Young. True enough. But whether they know how to get out of there is another question.

CARDIFF: B Blair; J Roberts, T Shanklin,G Thomas, T James; N Robinson, R Rees; M Lewis (c), M Williams, M Molitika; P Tito, D Jones; T Filise, G Williams, G Jenkins. Replacements: G Powell, T Rhys Thomas, S Morgan, B White, J Spice, D Flanagan, M Stcherbina

ULSTER: M McCrea; T Bowe, A Trimble, R Dewey, M Bartholomeusz; N O'Connor, P Marshall; J Fitzpatrick, N Brady, T Court; C Del Fava, R Caldwell; M McCullough, K Dawson, R Wilson. Replacements: S Philpott, B Young, J Harrison, N Best, I Boss, P Steinmetz, D Cave.

Referee: A MacPherson

Verdict: Cardiff