Ulster will face Welsh bad boy Mark Jones in this afternoon's European Cup Pool C clash at Eugene Cross Park. The 16-times capped abrasive international number eight faces a long stint out of the game when he a WRU disciplinary hearing meets next Tuesday.
Jones finds himself included in the Ebbw Vale side even though his latest indiscretion saw him dismissed after he flattened Pontypridd's Ian Gough last week. Gough, also an international forward, underwent surgery for damage to an eye socket and threatened to take legal action.
Jones epitomises the task that Ulster will face up front, a point not lost on coach Harry Williams, who has reorganised his side following a disastrous outing against Munster.
"It is going to be a very tough job," said Williams, who has rested all but one of his part-time players in making five changes for what sees as a crucial game if his side are going to be contenders for a quarter-final spot.
"It's a huge game for us, and all the players know it. It's certain to be quite physical, particularly since Ebbw Vale are coming off a brilliant victory over the Welsh League leaders Pontypridd last week.
"But we are confident. I felt that the changes were necessary as the part-timers were extremely tired after eight solid weeks of fitting in serious rugby with their business commitments.
"There has been a buzz in training this week," he added. "Indeed the boys were as ebullient as I've seen all season."
One of the new faces is Ballymena tight-head Rab Irwin who will be making his first start this season, and he knows what Ulster has to do.
"We must hit the ground running. Last week we sat back against Munster and they destroyed us. Personally I'm like a coiled spring.
"In most of the matches this season, I've come on for the final quarter. But I aim to do the business right from the first whistle."
Ulster contain six current internationals as do Ebbw Vale who are led by 10-times capped flanker Kingsley Jones. They introduce two Tongan internationals in full back Siua Taumalolo and giant lock Kalli Faletau.
ULSTER: S Mason; J Cunningham, J Bell, C van Rensburg, S Coulter; D Humphreys, capt, S Bell; J Fitzpatrick, A Clarke, R Irwin, G Longwell, M Blair, S McKinty, T McWhirter, A Ward.
EBBW VALE: S Taumalolo; D Manley, G Williams, J Strange, C Landry; B Hayward, D Llewellyn; A Philips, R Campbell, A Metcalfe, L Banks, K Faletau, M Spiller, M Jones, K Jones, capt.
Referee - C White (RFU).
