Ulster Rugby v Cardiff Blues

whom Mulvihill can still rely, and who need to be carefully countered this evening by the home side. Mulvihill brings his side to Belfast with a considerable rugby history in Ireland, playing and coaching Navan before the Australian was called back home to hone his demanding coaching talents at Western Force before eye-catching stints in Japan, notably at Honda Heat where his innovative skills as backs coach persuaded Cardiff to lure him to the Arms Park. determined as his opposite number, so beneath the contest on the pitch is a beguiling one in the coaching boxes. It’s an important game, the ‘shakedown’ continues in part but results and performances are what Ulster fans crave. They suspect they have the management, the coaches and players to make a real impression this year. The Blues will provide the sort of rugged yet positive opposition upon which an informed update can be made by the hordes filling the Kingspan Stadium seats and terraces. There are sound reasons to believe it will be a cheering and convincing one! He’s as wily as McFarland is cool and calculating, as tactically creative and

With Luke Marshall and Stuart McCloskey of proven pedigree in midfield, and with James Hume and other maturing home-grown talent nourishing the optimism enveloping the Ulster camp, there is attacking firepower, imagination and flair in abundance, and the range of defensive skills behind the scrum which Jared Payne’s extraordinary experience will only enhance. Louis Ludik’s injury woes are hopefully behind him and what an asset he is to any backline, and he and a fit Will Addison give more than substance and respect to the notion of versatility! Craig Gilroy’s long, frustrating absence hasn’t impaired his radar, the international wing already running and scoring freely. Robert Baloucoune, Angus Kernoghan, Angus Curtis and Rob Lyttle – sidelined this weekend - are all established options in a side which in every position provides competition. Billy Burns and the almost impossibly consistent John Cooney know that Bill Johnston and Dave Shanahan can be an exciting half-back alternative, and Michael Lowry, recovering from ankle surgery at the moment, is just too gifted not to play an important, creative role for this and many years to come. The key battle this evening will, as ever, be up front, and John Andrew may well get another rumbustious outing at hooker, while prop Tom O’Toole’s immense promise is sure to joust with Jack McGrath, Eric O’Sullivan, Andrew Warwick, Kyle McCall, Ross Kane, the recovering Tommy O’Hagan and Marty Moore for a ‘nod’ from McFarland. Marcel Coetzee is reportedly close to a full return, and what a boost that is for a back- row panel which is the envy of many clubs. Jordi Murphy and Sean Reidy are forged internationals, Nick Timoney’s star continued to rise last term, while Greg Jones, Marcus and Matthew Rea and Clive Ross have been shrewdly used by the coaches. Cardiff Blues may be without some important players on international duty still but hooker Kristian Dacey, flanker Josh Turnbull, centre Willis Halaholo and full-back Matthew Morgan are just a few experienced operators upon

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