Ulster bolstered by returning players

Rugby:Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin has made four personnel and three positional changes for his side's RaboDirect PRO12 clash with Cardiff at the Arms Park tomorrow (7.05, live on BBC 2).

Paddy Wallace, Tom Court and Chris Henry have been released from Ireland duty and they go straight into the starting team along with hooker Nigel Brady, who replaces Andi Kyriacou. Brady, Court and John Afoa form the front row, while Lewis Stevenson and Dan Tuohy continue their partnership at lock with captain Johann Muller still sidelined through injury.

Willie Faloon and Robbie Diack get another chance in the back row, where they are joined by stand-in skipper Chris Henry. Mike McComish makes way despite a robust performance in the win over Dragons last weekend.

The return of Wallace at inside centre results in a number of positional changes across the backline. Nevin Spence moves out one to wear the 13 jersey, with Ian Whitten moving to the wing and Stefan Terblanche starting at fullback.

McLaughlin commented: “With Chris (Henry), Tom (Court) and Paddy (Wallace) coming back in it means certain people miss out. It shows the strength of the squad that we are building when players like Mike (McComish) and Adam (D’Arcy), who have proved themselves at this level, aren’t in the team.

“This is a very important match for us given the position the two teams occupy in the league. But we’re playing well at the minute and if we play like we have done over the past few weeks, we have a good chance of coming back with the result.

McLaughlin says confidence is a key factor in a recent purple patch his side have enjoyed. “We’re a confident side now and we know we can beat anyone on our day. There is a good atmosphere amongst the squad and the management and we feel we’re moving forward.”

The Blues have called veteran flanker Martyn Williams into their starting XV after Josh Navidi was forced to pull out with a bruised hip. Macauley Cook comes on to the bench for the Welsh side.

Cardiff Blues:B Blair; R Mustoe, G Evans, G Henson, T James; D Parks, L Williams; J Yapp, R Tyrell, S Andrews; C Hill, P Tito (capt); M Paterson, M Williams, X Rush. Replacements: T Rhys Thomas, N Trevett, R Harford, M Molitika, M Cook, R Rees, C Sweeney, C Czekaj.

Ulster:S Terblanche; C Gilroy, N Spence, P Wallace, I Whitten; I Humphreys, R Pienaar; T Court, N Brady, J Afoa; L Stevenson, D Tuohy; C Henry (capt), W Faloon, R Diack. Replacements: A Kyriacou, P McAllister, A Macklin, T Barker, M McComish, P Marshall, S Danielli, A D'Arcy.