Saracens v Ulster - Vicarage Road (Tomorrow 3.00)

Television: BBC2 2.40

It is impossible to quantify the importance of Ulster's victory over Cardiff and the fillip it will deliver in terms of confidence. There was much to admire in both the way that Ulster controlled the Cardiff game for long passages and the improvement they have made, particularly in their set pieces.

Tomorrow offers a different benchmark. The absence of Scottish international Scott Murray from the Saracens second row is a boost for the visitors, but the Ulster front row will receive a serious examination when they engage the all-international Saracens front row of Darren Flatman (England), Robbie Russell (Scotland) and Ireland's Paul Wallace.

It is the forward battle that may hold the key to this match. Ulster will have to match the mobility and strength of the home eight and stop the Saracens back row of Kris Chesney, Richard Hill and Tony Diprose from providing an attacking platform for scrumhalf Kyran Bracken.

Even then there is Thomas Castaignede. The mercurial French international returned to his former club Toulouse last week and helped himself to 22 points at the Stade Les Septs Deniers; it was the outstanding result of the first weekend of European Cup action. Former Ireland wing Darragh O'Mahony scored one of Saracens' two tries.

His clash with Tyrone Howe could have a bearing on which player makes the international squad for the forthcoming Tests against Japan and South Africa, as the Irish management team of Warren Gatland and Eddie O'Sullivan will be present. David Humphreys will need to ape his man of the match performance at Ravenhill, find a little space for Ryan Constable and somehow keep Saracens pinned back with his kicking. Saracens appear to have too much power and mobility up front, and if their pack can give them a platform then it is difficult to see the backs spurning such an invitation. Ulster will give it a good rattle but ultimately, that might not be enough.

Saracens: T Castaignede; D O'Mahony, B Johnston, K Sorrell, D Luger; D McRae, K Bracken (capt); D Flatman, R Russell, P Wallace; B Davison, D Grewcock; K Chesney, T Diprose, R Hill.

Ulster: G Henderson; J Topping, R Constable, J Bell, T Howe; D Humphreys (capt), B Free; J Fitzpatrick, R Weir, S Best; G Longwell, P Johns; D Topping, T McWhirter, A Ward.

Referee: C Giacomel (Italy)

Saracens

Results so far: beat Toulouse (a) 32-22.

Leading points scorer: Thomas Castaignede 22 (4 pens, 2 cons, 2 dr gls).

Leading try scorers: D O'Mahony, S Murray 1 each.

Ulster.

Results so far: beat Cardiff (h) 32-23.

Leading points scorer: David Humphreys 22 (5 pens, 2 cons, 1 dr gl).

Leading try scorers: R Constable, T Howe 1 each.

Previous meetings: None.

Forecast: Saracens to win.