Matt Williams knows the difficulty quotient in maintaining a winning start to his tenure as Ulster coach will rise appreciably when the Llanelli Scarlets take the field in Belfast tonight. A convincing victory over the Dragons in his first game was a welcome start but tonight's visitors offer a higher calibre challenge.
Second-in-the-table Llanelli boast a reasonably strong team that includes Lions and Welsh scrumhalf Dwayne Peel, who expressed a desire to play in this match. Injured against Italy last weekend, he has been cleared to play. Ireland's Simon Easterby and Welsh international Alix Popham are two of the five forwards among the replacements.
Phil Davies's side have won their last four encounters against Ulster but have lost three of their last four games in the Magners. Victory tonight is a prerequisite to maintain their title hopes.
Captain and flanker James Bater admitted: "We have hopes of winning the league this season but if we are to do that then we realistically have to win every game, and going to places like Ulster isn't easy. However, the mood in the camp is good and the boys are going there in confident mood."
Williams has named Paddy Wallace at inside centre, while Rory Best is back to lead the team. Italian international Carlo del Fava is named among the replacements having been cleared of foul play in the Six Nations game against Wales. He is joined there by Neil Best and Bryn Cunningham, although there is no place for a fit-again Roger Wilson.
Promising former underage international Darren Cave and Paul Marshall are also in the match squad. Llanelli look to have a solid pack and provided they can supply a reasonable amount of ball, the cutting edge in the backline inspired by top try-scorer Regan King (7) ought to eke out a narrow victory. The performance of Llanelli outhalf Rhys Priestland could be pivotal to the outcome.
ULSTER:M Bartholomeusz; S Danielli, P Steinmetz, P Wallace, M McCrea; N O'Connor, I Boss; B Young, R Best (capt), T Court; J Harrison, R Caldwell; M McCullough, K Dawson, S Ferris. Replacements: N Brady, J Fitzpatrick, C Del Fava, N Best, P Marshall, D Cave, B Cunningham.
LLANELLI:M Stoddart; D James, R King, G Evans, N Brew; R Priestland, D Peel; I Thomas, M Schwalger, D Manu; L Reed, D Jones; J Bater (capt), G Thomas, N Thomas. Replacements: P John, K Owens, D Day, S Easterby, A Popham, G Cattle, C Thomas.
Referee:A MacPherson (Scotland).
Last meeting:At Stradey Park - Llanelli 32 Ulster 8.
Leading points scorers:Ulster - Paddy Wallace 32. Llanelli - Rhys Priestland 97.
Leading try scorers:Ulster - Simon Danielli, Tommy Bowe, two each. Llanelli - Regan King 7.
Verdict:Llanelli to win.
