Cardiff v Ulster: Teams

Cardiff Blues have recalled captain Paul Tito for Friday's Magners League clash against Ulster at the Arms Park.

This will be the Blues' third game inside eight days, hence why coach Dai Young has rung the changes from the side that lost to the Ospreys on Tuesday.

Thomas Rhys Thomas and Bradley Davies are the only forwards to retain their places up front as both Gary Powell and Gethin Jenkins come back into the front row.

There are a further four changes in the backs as Leigh Halfpenny, right wing, Gareth Thomas, inside centre, Chris Czekaj, left wing, and Nicky Robinson, fly-half, all return to the starting line-up.

Young was pleased with the way Rhys Thomas performed at hooker on Tuesday, after a difficult season last year.

"Rhys had a difficult year last year," Young told The Western Mail.

"He was promoted very quickly to the Wales set-up after he'd played a handful of games for the Blues.

Physicality

"I don't think he let Wales down, but all players have a dip in form and he suffered that last year.

"I don't think he played poorly and, in fairness to him, he has worked his socks off over the summer.

We all know he is a very good rugby player, but he has added a physicality to his game this season."

Ulster coach Matt Williams has made just two changes to his side, bringing in Ryan Caldwell and David Pollock.

Caldwell comes in for Carlo Del Fava, who picked up a neck injury in the defeat against the Scarlets, whilst Pollock is promoted to the starting side in favour of Kieron Dawson.

Williams is under no illusions as to just how big a challenge his side face heading to the Arms Park, but insists his side are targeting a win.

"They are a strong side, they played well against Leinster at the weekend and we are expecting a strong challenge, but our lads know what we have to do," Williams said.

"We have some very experienced players in our side who know what it is like to play away in Wales and are hungry to come away with a win."

Cardiff Blues: 15 Ben Blair, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Jamie Robinson, 12 Gareth Thomas, 11 Chris Czekaj, 10 Nicky Robinson, 9 Darren Allinson, 1 Gethin Jenkins, 2 T Rhys Thomas, 3 Gary Powell, 4 Bradley Davies, 5 Paul Tito (c), 6 Maama Molitika, 7 Martyn Williams, 8 Mark Lewis.
Replacements: 16 John Yapp, 17 Gareth Williams, 18 Scott Morgan, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Jason Spice, 21 Ceri Sweeney, 22 Jamie Roberts.

Ulster: 15 Clinton Schifcofske, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Rob Dewey, 11 T Nagusa, 10 Paddy Wallace, 9 Isaac Boss, 1 Justin Fitzpatrick, 2 Rory Best (c), 3 BJ Botha, 4 Ryan Caldwell, 5 Ed O'Donoghue, 6 Matt McCullough, 7 David Pollock, 8 Robbie Diack.
Replacements: 16 Nigel Brady, 17 Tom Court, 18 Kieron Dawson, 19 Tom Anderson, 20 Cillian Willis, 21 Niall O'Connor, 22 Bryn Cunningham.