European Cup Pool Two/Bourgoin v Ulster Stade Pierre Rajon, 8pm:One thing interim Ulster coach Steve Williams has not been afraid to do this week is wield the axe, writes Johnny Watterson
Not in the job for a week and the former Welsh lock has dropped former Australian international Justin Harrison, from the squad, sent Scottish international centre Rob Dewey to the replacements bench for the recovered Paul Steinmetz and told fullback Bryn Cunningham to stay at home this weekend.
Ulster Academy star Mark McCrea also remains in Belfast for the trip to Bourgoin's strip of ground at Stade Pierre Rajon.
In truth there is little Williams can do wrong this weekend as things probably can't get much worse. Ulster face a fight tonight as much for their pride as maintaining a place in the Heineken European Cup. In both of these contests they must be considered the underdogs.
A shake up of some sort was needed as Ulster but in a week where the side have lost coach Mark McCall and continued with their miserable form, Bourgoin will sense the disarray and know Ulster are there for the taking.
It's unwise to buy into the view that Bourgoin are not interested in this competition and are a soft touch. They are probably more concerned with the French Championship but at home they always seek to impress.
Ulster know an immense physical encounter awaits them and that will be a trial for a side playing with paper-thin confidence. While Bourgoin can never be accused of over-sophistication, they do have big centres who will punch straight at the Ulster defensive line and two straight-running wingers.
Ulster have won just once in seven competitive outings this season and given the Gloucester result, their cup involvement is hanging by a thread. Bourgoin too are feeling the pressure, having been beaten by the Ospreys 22-15 at the Liberty Stadium last week.
"Obviously, we are not on top form and almost at the point where we have to try new things," explained Williams this week. "It is important we do not go into our shell this weekend and are as constructive as possible.
BOURGOIN:F Denos; D Janin, R Coetzee, Y David, J Coux; B Boyet, M Parra; A Tchougong, B Cabello, O Sourgens, D Fevre, B Williams, J Frier (capt), A Petrilli, M Rennie. Replacements: J Genevois, P Cardinali, C Wyatt, Y Labrit, M Forest, S Laloo, M Nicolas.
ULSTER:M Bartholomeusz; T Bowe, A Trimble, P Steinmetz, S Danielli; P Wallace, I Boss; J Fitzpatrick, R Best (capt), B Young, M McCullough, C Del Fava, N Best, K Dawson, R Wilson. Replacements: N Brady, D Fitzpatrick, R Caldwell, D Pollock, K Campbell, N O'Connor, R Dewey.
Referee:Wayne Barnes (England)
Verdict:Bourgoin win
