Ulster Rugby vs Cardiff Blues

TONIGHT’S OPPOSITION

Coach Paul John has urged his side to pick up where they left off when they resume Guinness PRO12 action this evening in Belfast against Ulster Rugby.

season with a number of Welsh internationals back in contention for selection tonight, although the fixture may come too early for legendary front rower Gethin Jenkins following a hamstring injury. There is also plenty of young Welsh talent on show with Rhys Patchell, the last action hero against Connacht, impressive number eight Josh Navidi, centre star Cory Allen and rising fly half ace Gareth Anscombe – the son of former Ulster boss Mark - among those eager to push their international claims. “The boys who didn’t play a major part for Wales in the last few weeks are itching to get rugby. We will look to give them a run out; it is great to see them back with a smile on their face and wanting to play,” added John. “Alex Cuthbert, Cory Allen and Gareth Anscombe are all back training and they all want to play a part.”

The Welsh region arrive at Kingspan Stadium on the back of successive league victories – including a last gasp win over Connacht last time out – after a season of ups and downs for the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park outfit. Attack Coach John and Defence guru Dale McIntosh are in charge of the Blues following the shock departure of Director of Rugby Mark Hammett in February, with the former New Zealand international returning home for personal reasons. And the much admired coaching duo have once again – after also taking caretaker charge at the end of last season - sparked an upturn in fortunes for Blues with successes over Edinburgh and Connacht in recent times. Tonight they are eager to make it a hat-trick and also build crucial momentum ahead of the big European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-final derby clash with Newport Gwent Dragons on Easter weekend. “We have a big couple of weeks coming up that starts with Ulster away, which is a challenge in itself, and we need to get all the boys back playing and gelling,” said John. “The following week we have the big European quarter-final derby with Dragons, but our focus is on this Friday and Ulster. Every game is important to us. “We would have liked to have played the following week after Connacht, if we are honest, to keep momentum going. However, we tried to make last week as hard as we possibly could (with no game) and the focus this week has all been on Ulster. We are looking forward to getting back on the field.” Blues certainly have the squad to enjoy a powerful finish to the

CLUB STATS //Location Cardiff, Wales //Founded 2003 //Ground BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park //Capacity 12,000 //Last Game Connacht (H) 18-17 (W) Saturday 6th March 2015, 19:35 //Next Game Glasgow Warriors (A) Friday 10th April 2015, 19:35 //Recent Form L L L W W

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