Ulster, finally, are looking like themselves again. The return of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, both after cracked elbows against Toulon in January, potentially brings an alternative dynamic to Ireland's World Cup squad.
Providing this young duo spearhead Ulster’s march to a home semi-final and, the ultimate goal, of hosting the Pro12 decider on May 30th then Joe Schmidt’s summer gatherings will adopt a viciously competitive atmosphere.
Soon Ulster will have Rory Best, Tommy Bowe and Jared Payne back on deck. Maybe even Chris Henry. That makes them contenders again.
In the meantime, they must be happy with the sight of Iain Henderson at blindside flanker.
The return of Nick Williams and Dan Tuohy during the Six Nations already added a much-needed power surge to the Ulster pack.
Ruan Pienaar has also, seemingly, shaken off his early season knee problems, caused on Springbok duty, where he may yet be needed again this summer and at the World Cup.
Neatly positioned
But that’s a future issue. The present has Ulster neatly positioned in second place, four points adrift of Glasgow, who they hope will get nothing at the RDS tonight, with Leinster and Munster both due in Belfast before the regular season concludes.
A dark, disastrous campaign may yet come right for Neil Doak and the indigenous coaching ticket forced to pick up the pieces after last summer’s mass exodus.
Most interesting of all will be the growth of Jackson. Joe Schmidt has never stopped mentioning him as a contender to be Johnny Sexton's understudy. Also, Olding's talent is of the rare variety. Timely returns both.
Cardiff are already also-rans. Ulster by some distance.
ULSTER: L Ludik; C Gilroy, D Cave (capt), S Olding, M Allen; P Jackson, R Pienaar; C Black, R Herring, W Herbst; D Tuohy, F Van der Merwe; I Henderson, C Ross, N Williams.
Replacements: J Andrew, A Warwick, B Ross, R Diack, AN Other, P Marshall, I Humphreys, R Scholes.
CARDIFF BLUES: R Patchell; A Cuthbert, C Allen, G Evans, L Amorosino; G Anscombe, L Williams; S Hobbs, M Rees (capt), A Jones; J Hoeata, L Reed; J Turnbull, E Jenkins, J Navidi.
Replacements: K Dacey, T Filise, S Andrews, M Cook, M Vosawai, T Knoyle, G Davies, T Isaacs.
Referee: M Mitrea (Italy).
Verdict: Ulster win.
