Ulster face tough test in Wales

It’s over three years since

Ulster

last lost a match in Swansea and they’ve only been beaten once in their last six encounters with the Ospreys. It’s a remarkable record when weighed against the consistent excellence of the Welsh franchise in recent seasons.

A counterbalance, though, is that the Irish province has won just one match on the road, while their hosts have racked up seven straight league victories at the Liberty stadium.

Ulster coach Neil Doak makes two changes, with Michael Allen replacing the rested Craig Gilroy, and Andrew Warwick celebrating signing a new two-year contract with a start at loosehead prop.

Festive spice

The fact that the teams are level on points in the table merely adds a little festive spice to the occasion.

“We’ve got to learn from our mistakes, and we’ve got to look at this block of Pro12 games over the next month to really cement our top-four spot. It’s really tight in the top half of the table, so back-to-back home games gives us an opportunity to build some momentum,” Ospreys coach Steve Tandy said.

“To do that, we’ve got to step up another level this weekend in terms of accuracy and being clinical when we create opportunities. We know the pride in the jersey and the commitment levels will be there, that’s a given with this group, but that accuracy and attention to detail will lead to winning performances.”

Ospreys include their recent recruit from Racing Metro Dan Lydiate on the bench in what is a strong team led by the outstanding Alun Wyn Jones. Ulster’s performance in losing to the Scarlets in the Champions Cup last weekend was gutsy but they’ll need a bit more than that if they’re to maintain their winning ways in Wales.

Strictly on recent form, it’s difficult to oppose an Ospreys win.