By Andrew Collins
May 4 2006

Dai Young has named a weakened side to face Ulster at the Ravenhill on Friday night, as the Blues remain in the hunt for Celtic glory.

In team news, Rhys Williams misses the match with a hamstring injury, meaning Nick Macleod is forced to take his place at full back. Rhys went off against Connacht last week, and is already a boubt for the Millenium Stadium match against Leinster a week Sunday.

Elsewhere, Martyn Williams will not make the starting squad, but a late fitness test will determine whether he can start on the bench. If he fails, Mark Lewis will be the reserve flanker. Instead, Robin Sowden-Taylor retains the number 7 shirt for the important away match.

As expected, Tom Shanklin isn't selected, but there are now fears he won't play again this season, as a precaution, so he is 100% for next years campaign.

The good news however is the return of centre, Jamie Robinson. Having missed the last 2 matches with a ankle injury, Jamie takes up a starting place next to the ever-impressive Marc Strcherbina. Also, brother Nicky starts at outside half, despite deing dropped to the bench for a slight injury last week.

The only other change to the starting XV is the return of Maama Molitika. The flanker had been banned following a double yellow card against Edinbourgh a few weeks ago, but he goes straight back in, taking Kort Schuberts place at 6.

Cardiff travel to Ireland in great form, having won 6 games on the trott, however, 2nd placed Ulster are a formidable outfit, and have are a very hard side to play, particularly at their Ravenhill ground.

Any less than a win would see the feint title hope dissapear for good, but a win would put them within touching distance of the silverware.

It's a big ask for the Blues, who have such a poor record away from home, and they go into the 9.10pm match as big underdogs. It'll be a test of just how far the side has come this year, though even the most optamistic fans are struggling to see Cardiff getting the victory.

Team:
Nick Macleod; Chris Czekaj, Jamie Robinson, Marc Stcherbina, Craig Morgan; Nick Robinson, Mike Phillips; John Yapp, T Rhys Thomas, Gethin Jenkins, Deiniol Jones, Rob Sidoli, Maama Molitika, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Xavier Rush (capt).

Ben Evans, Duane Goodfield, Kort Schubert, Mark Lewis/Martyn Williams, Ryan Powell, Tristan Davies, Dafydd Hewitt.