Stradey Park will offer Ulster nothing if not a monumental test of character in their fourth European Cup tie of Pool 3 today. Out of contention and out of form, the champions' inability to raise their game for last week's match against Llanelli at Ravenhill does not augur well for a turn around in Wales. As evidenced last Friday, and in Ulster's two previous matches, an inability to score tries has them hamstrung. Full back Simon Mason's boot has been the source of all of the 24 points from three matches. Not one try scored is not only scant return from 240 minutes play but a grim reminder of how off colour the province has been this season.
Five changes for the trip to Wales will probably not succeed in shaking of the malaise that's been hanging over the side but doubtlessly, as European champions, pride will enter the equation.
Sheldon Coulter comes on to the wing for the injured James Topping (ankle) while Allen Clarke's shoulder injury gives Richie Weir his start in the front row. In come Stephen Bell at scrum-half, Gary Longwell to the second row and Dion O'Cuinneagain to the back-row in an effort to generate both the consistency and tempo that the side has been missing thus far. Joeli Veitayaki remains to strengthen the scrum but his absurdly low fitness levels could be a liability.
Llanelli out-half Stephen Jones should ensure Ulster keep their discipline. The 19 points from his boot at Ravenhill was for a long time in the game Llanelli's cutting edge. Scott Quinnell at number eight was also a power-house and his yardage gains set up many of the Welsh side's plays.
Ulster will not have felt as vulnerable for some time while Llanelli need the win to keep their prospects of advancing alive. They are currently two points behind Wasps in Pool 3. It is in that context that Ulster will have to muster a big performance - and they have it within them - if only to save face.
ULSTER: S Mason; S Coulter, J Cunningham, J Bell, S Bromley; D Humphreys (capt), S Bell; J Fitzpatrick, R Weir, J Veitayaki, P Johns, G Longwell, D O'Cuinneagain, E Miller, A Ward. Replacements: T Howe, N Malone, M Edwards, T McWhirter, M Blair, S Best, P Shields.
