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Ulster ready to seize big chance in Cardiff in United Rugby Championship

Ulster's Jacob Stockdale has major role tonight
Ulster's Jacob Stockdale has major role tonight Ulster's Jacob Stockdale has major role tonight

ULSTER will tonight aim to achieve something that they haven’t been able to do for three months - win back-to-back games in the URC.

November’s 36-15 win over Zebre Parma was Ulster’s fourth victory in as many games but the following week’s collapse to Leinster saw the northern province’s season derail somewhat.

Dan McFarland’s side have taken some time to steady the ship following that crushing loss in Dublin as a crisis in confidence threatened to derail their whole season in spectacular fashion.

But last week’s win in Durban against the Sharks may be the clearest indication yet that Ulster have at last put their mid-season wobble behind them.

After the physical demands, as well as the logistical challenges faced over the last week, it’s no surprise to see that McFarland has made a number of changes to last week’s winning team.

In all there are 10 changes to the team that took to the field in South Africa last Saturday as Ulster seek to pour more misery on a Cardiff side that has been struggling for consistency this season.

Two players that have managed to hold on to their starting spots are props Rory Sutherland and Jeff Toomaga-Allen. They are joined in the front row by Rob Herring who takes over at hooker at the expense of John Andrew.

Herring has been released from Ireland duty and he will also take over the captaincy.

In the second row Kieran Treadwell and Sam Carter come in for Harry Sheridan and Alan O’Connor who both drop to the bench.

Sheridan has been a revelation since making his senior debut in January’s Champions Cup defeat to La Rochelle. The Holywood man has also been a try scorer in each of the last two games and is sure to make another telling contribution when introduced.

Nick Timoney takes over at number eight while Dave McCann, who made a significant impact from the bench last week, gets the nod to start at blindside while there is a first appearance of 2023 for Marcus Rea at openside.

The changes continue behind the scrum as only Michael Lowry and Stewart Moore continue from last week.

Lowry is joined in the back three by Jacob Stockdale and Ben Moxham while Moore is reunited with James Hume in the centre.

Jake Flannery and John Cooney make way for Billy Burns and Nathan Doak at out-half and scrum-half respectively. While Flannery drops out of the matchday 23, Cooney does make the replacements where he’ll provide cover for both half-back berths.

One noteworthy addition to the squad this week is Jude Postlethwaite. The former Ireland under-20 and Belfast Inst centre is in line for his first senior cap if introduced from the bench.

A telling factor of last week’s win over the Sharks was the contribution from the bench.

A mix of experience and youthful exuberance helped Ulster over the line.

With a similar knowledge and freshness that’s being held in reserve again this week, Ulster should return from Wales with a second win in as many games.