Matt Williams has named his side to travel to Cardiff to take on the Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park tonight, 12th September KO 19.05.
The starting line-up sees only two changes from the side that was defeated at the hands of the Scarlets last Friday at Ravenhill. Italian lock Carlo Del Fava picked up a neck injury in the opening game of the league allowing Ireland A star Ryan Caldwell to take up the number 4 jersey and partner new Ulster recruit Ed O’Donoghue.
In the back row Kieron Dawson drops to the bench to allow promising player David Pollock to start alongside Matt McCullough and Robbie Diack in the back row. Versatile back rower Thomas Anderson is named in the squad and having played second row at Irish schools level could cover both the back row and the second row if needed.
This is Ulster’s first away trip of the 2008/09 season and Assistant Coach Steve Williams will be hoping that his side can put in a performance against the Blues;
“They are a strong side, they played well against Leinster at the weekend and we are expecting a strong challenge, but our lads know what we have to do. We have some very experienced players in our side who know what it is like to play away in Wales and are hungry to come away with a win”
Ulster Team:
15. C Schifcofske;
14. A Trimble,
13. D Cave,
12. R Dewey,
11. T Nagusa;
10. P Wallace,
9. l Boss;
1. J Fitzpatrick;
2. R Best(Capt),
3. B Botha,
4. R Caldwell,
5. E O’Donoghue,
6. M McCullough,
7. D Pollock,
8. R Diack
Replacements:
16. N Brady,
17. T Court,
18. K Dawson,
19. T Anderson,
20. C Willis,
21. N O’Connor,
22. B Cunningham