Cardiff made 15 changes to the side which won the EDF Cup last weekend, but went to Ravenhill needing a victory boost their poor league position. But the Blues have a busy fixture list entering the business end of the season, and squad rotation was always going to be crucial.

Cardiff opened the scoring when Ceri Sweeney slotted a penalty for the visitors, but Ulster replied moments later with a Niall O'Connor drop goal.

The Ulstermen then took the lead when Australian Clinton Schifcofske slotted a penalty at the second time of asking.

Andy Powell carried the Blues forward as the games began to open up after half hour, and when Jamie Robinson put a clever chip in, it was Loxton on hand to pounce on the loose ball and claim the try.

Sweeney's conversion hit the post, but put his side further ahead with a penalty before half time.

Cardiff had to defend for large periods of the second half, but kept their discipline superbly, conceding just one converted penalty to hold out for an 11-9 victory.

Full Time

Ulster 9
Cardiff Blues 11

James Loxton; Richard Mustoe, Jamie Robinson, Gareth Thomas, Chris Czekaj; Ceri Sweeney, Richie Rees; Rhys Gill, T Rhys Thomas, John Yapp, Deiniol Jones, Scott Morgan, Sam Warburton, Robin Sowden-Tayor (capt), Andy Powell

Scott Andrews, Ross Jonhson, James Down, Ben White, Darren Allinson, Dai Flanagan, Ryan Howells.

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