Dirty Balls Rugby

Cardiff Blues welcome back a number of Welsh squad players ahead of the Rabodirect Pro12 clash with Ulster. The most headline grabbing of which is Gavin Henson returning from Welsh training to line up at 12.

The inside center hasn’t made much of a splash since his move to Cardiff, and with not getting a look in for Wales should be eager to lace a timely reminder of what he can do, especially with the Cardiff Blues coach Justin Burnell not mentioning him as a center option for next season.

Cardiff also get Lloyd Williams and Scott Andrews back from the Welsh set up, who will similarly be looking to set down markers with Welsh laces for the England game next week up for grabs.

Even more exciting to Cardiff fans is that it is another game at Cardiff Arms Park, following on from last weeks game there against Connacht. With many fans unhappy at the move to the Cardiff City Stadium, and last weeks game being a sell out, the Blues will likely be enjoying another maximum support, with teh capacity for the game increased to 9,000, up from 8,000 last week.

Ulster Team vs the Cardiff Blues

Ulster: 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Craig Gilroy, 13 Nevin Spence, 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Ian Whitten, 10 Ian Humphreys, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Robbie Diack, 7 Willie Faloon, 6 Chris Henry (capt), 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Lewis Stevenson, 3 John Afoa, 2 Nigel Brady, 1 Tom Court
Replacements: 16 Andi Kyriacou, 17 Paddy McAllister, 18 Adam Macklin, 19 Tim Barker, 20 Mike McComish, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Simon Danielli, 23 Adam D’Arcy

Cardiff Blues Team vs Ulster

15 Ben Blair 14 Richard Mustoe 13 Gavin Evans 12 Gavin Henson 11 Tom James 10 Dan Parks 9 Lloyd Williams

8 Xavier Rush 7 Josh Navidi 6 Michael Paterson 5 Paul Tito © 4 Cory Hill 3 Scott Andrews 2 Ryan Tyrell 1 John Yapp

16 T Rhys Thomas 17 Nathan Trevett 18 Ryan Harford 19 Maama Molitika 20 Martyn Williams 21 Richie Rees 22 Ceri Sweeney 23 Chris Czekaj

Justin Burnell picked out Ruan Pienaar as Ulster’s dangerman.

“It is a massive challenge for us but important that we pick up points to get us to the play off stages,” he said.

“I think Ulster’s threat comes from across the board. They have recruited some exceptional South African and New Zealand forwards and have a very good half back pairing.”

“Pienaar is a key man for them and if there was a world ranking I certainly think he would be in the top three whether he was playing 9 or 10.”

“The players and coaches certainly enjoyed being back at the Arms Park last weekend and we are fortunate that we have two great venues to play at. It was a great occasion.

“Certain players hadn’t played there and were proud that they were given the opportunity. I hope we can secure the same result on Friday.”