Ulster v Cardiff Blues Ulster Rugby Live

Ulster arrived tonight to take on Cardiff following 12 Pro12 wins in a

row and 16th are still capable of making the top four. Not a bad time

disease some of the 6 Nations stars return. Rory Best leads them out.

When the sides met earlier in the season, Ulster fired with a bonus

point win. He is going to get a second lead tried. A familiar face

is back in Belfast tonight, Nick Williams spent four seasons with

Ulster, he is on the bench for the Blues. Expect to see the wrecking

ball make an impact when he gets his chance. Ulster cannot afford to slip

up if they want to see silverware. It is Round 19 of the Guinness

Pro12, Ulster against the Cardiff Blues from the Kingspan Stadium.

Hello and welcome to Ulster Rugby life. But again we have in store and

I am delighted to say hopefully to enjoy it, alongside me to star as of

the past with Ulster and very snappy dressers, Ryan Constable and Stephen

Ferris. We have said it for a number of weeks, is it win or bust? We are

at home and the fans will want a big win, we will want lots of points

scored. If we lose tonight, mathematically we could still get

into the top four but I think everyone knows if we lose this home

game, it will be very tough to get into that top four. A must win.

Brutally tight isn't it? You look at Ospreys, Munster and Leinster, they

are fighting to get that home semi. The challenge for Ulster is to make

sure they have something to play for when they go into that tough run-in.

They have to win this one tonight. Some of the Ulster big names are

back tonight. I think it is crucial, someone like Rory Best, the

experience he brings, he is also captain, Andrew Trimble is on the

bench, he brings so much and it is not just on match like, it is

through the week, making sure the accuracy is there. We have talked

about the inconsistency, in the last six or seven games they put that

right and Rory Best was at the forefront. It is a tough run-in, but

what do you think Cardiff will present? They are playing for pride

and when you come to a stadium like this and you have a crowd like this

and you know the threat that Ulster present, you need to show up and

personal pride will kick in. You look at Warburton and the back row,

the likes of Halaholo, they will create problems, they have plenty to

play for. The chances are we will see some British and Irish Lions on

show tonight. Hopefully, Rory Best, Sam Warburton, will they be in with

a shout of being captain? We will see another old Ulster favourite,

Nick Williams, an absolute wrecking ball, really good guy and he will

cause Ulster some trouble. Hopefully not too much. . What other key

areas? It is the simple things, you need your set piece to function, you

need to be aggressive with your line speed in defence and you need to

control the breakdown which gives you temple to play the game you

want. Perfect conditions. More from Ryan and Stephen at half-time, the

teams are on their way, we will hand your cross to your commentators.

Tony and Jem. Good evening. There is the most

capped Welshman of all time, Gethin Jenkins and he leads a fairly strong

looking side, particularly up where he is joined by Rees. Sam Warburton,

there is also Lloyd Williams and Gareth Anscombe and let us not

forget the threat of Alex Cuthbert on the right wing and Williams, the

youngest player on the Cardiff side. He was a crowd pleaser

extraordinaire in the four seasons he was here and I am quite surprised

that Danny Wilson has left him off his starting 15, but an impact

player like no other. I am sure we will see him. What a season it has

been for the man leading out Ulster, for just the fourth time this

season, Rory Best who took Ireland to victory on South African soil

against the All Blacks were the first time and again against

Australia and then denying England the Grand Slam in the Aviva Stadium

at the end of the most recent 6 Nations, Rory David Besse, what a

player. E is the only change in the Ulster front five from a few weeks

ago, but there has been a reshuffle in the back row, Reidy, and the most

capped player comes in. Paddy Jackson came off the bench at --

against the Dragons and starts. Look at the back three. Mouthwatering and

the extreme. Always enjoyed himself when he comes here and he was here

about one month ago, 82 macro, rum Wales. The last time he was here,

Ulster played Libra -- Ian Davies. -- Zebre. Gareth Anscombe gets us

under way. If early decent cake. Knocked backwards by Treadwell.

Ulster hope they can tidy it up -- kick. Pienaar looking for options.

Told by the referee to use it, Piutau to chase. Carried in by the

youngster, Williams. Tackled by Sean Reidy who was manhandled badly by

Gethin Jenkins. Anscombe, clever kick. Well taken in by Scully and

the flag has gone up. Gareth Anscombe opening up there. Good

evening. Anscombe looks as if he is here to play, an interesting option.

Craig Gilroy did well to defend, and even Stephen start. He struck it

perfectly and it was Scully, the American International, born in

California. Athleticism by Craig Gilroy. The first line-out of the

evening goes to Cardiff Blues. Lloyd Williams. Anscombe set a mark, well

tackled. Williams then quickly. Rees gets it our way. Anscombe. Anscombe,

lively stuff, the oldest man in the park, he will be 40 in June. Filise,

38. Ruan Pienaar has to make the tackle -- Lee-Lo. This is a good

start for the visiting side. Piutau sensibly waits. Rory Best is

there to help. Alex Cuthbert has been held in by his ankle. Ian

Henderson. Will he be on the plane to New Zealand this summer? We will

wait and see. Pienaar. Gilroy. Enterprising staff. It started at a

fair old pace, Ian Davies is being asked to look at some potential

hands and air. Treadwell, he has had a good first season in Belfast.

Gilroy, Henderson. Well taken down by Halaholo. Jackson. Back in the

starting 15. Nice little soft pass by Rory Best and again. Jackson.

Taken back into the 22 and that has gone down to Williams. Long lagged

fellow. University student at Bangor in North Wales, he is only 19.

Anscombe. Rees. Anscombe again, little flat pass, nicely taken by

Earle who joined from the Scarlets. Navidi. Danny Wilson will be

pleased, Ulster are defending well. Filise. That is the only way to take

him and Olding did take, around the ankles. Still Blues are pressing.

Lloyd Williams, and is, again, again it is Lee-Lo and again, the Ulster

defending is pretty solid. What is evident, both teams are here to play

and Ulster have to bear in mind, these Cardiff centres like Lee-Lo

are very good step is with ball in hand. Lloyd Williams got the ball

away beautifully, nice and soft by Anscombe and a good covering by

Jared Payne on Lee-Lo, from Samoa. Rory Best. Stuart Olding, good

covering tackle by Navidi. That was a good kick by Ruan Pienaar, Ruan

Pienaar complaining that Rees was doing a bit of lazy running and I

would not disagree. Rory Best is having a word with Ian Davies who is

doing nothing about it. I think Rees, cut down the Ulster option of

using the blindside. Ruan Pienaar had no option. You can tell that

Ruan Pienaar is not happy. And scum. Little sidestep once again. -- Five

Live. -- Anscombe. Lloyd Williams. Sam Warburton.

Card of probing, looking for a little break-in that Ulster defence,

a lot of men there. Navidi, out wide, took the pass from Halaholo.

Filise. Played almost 240 times four Cardiff, here goes Anscombe, no way

through, Roger Wilson makes the tackle, helped by Jared Payne. Ian

Henderson. This is Alice Jenkins, starting his first game for about

three months, had a few concussion problems -- Ellis. Cuthbert. Taken

by Roger Wilson. All the pressure coming from the visitors. Now they

have created a gap, that is nicely away, it was Williams, Scully. The

first serious bit of daylight now between the two sides. Rees. This is

great stuff. Anscombe and the Ulster defence has really been tested.

Filise again. Well tackled by his opposite number, Herbst. Gethin

Jenkins. Anscombe. Warburton. To get well. Sean Reidy managed to put in

the tackle. And Ulster have conceded a penalty. What with the crowd

booing about? Just in the Ulster 22, it involved Hoeata. Nothing really

there at the end of it. That is Rory Best on the ball. Cardiff are

maintaining the ball brilliantly, using the full width of the pitch.

Their ball security is first class. The TMO is from Italy, Stefano

Roscini. All the pressure has come from Cala,

no real surprise that they are getting the chance of the opening

point courtesy of this man, Gareth Anscombe. His mother is Welsh. He

made his debut against Ireland a couple of seasons ago. Fast

approaching 200 league points for his new club. Pretty straightforward

and just over nine minutes gone and Ulster are trailing. Ulster will

have to beware of Gareth Anscombe. Any chance, may not have the longest

boot in the world but I can see, in 40 metres, he is deadly. This

restart kick from Paddy Jackson should give Ulster the first bit of

card of territory. Not a bad kick, knocked back untidily. The referee

says play on. Here goes Lloyd Williams, good tackle by Andrew

Warwick. Anscombe in the right position. You can see the twin

threat posed by Lee-Lo and Halaholo. Cheeky little fellows. Lloyd

Williams. The referee is saying that was contested. Another advantage to

Ulster, well away, here goes Piutau, Olding is outside him. High tackle,

I think the referee has called for Piutau. What a kick. Paddy Jackson,

amazing try by Ulster. Finnish... By Jackson, but down to the sheer

vision of Ruan Pienaar. Brilliant from Jackson, Piutau with the break

and the thrust, Cuthbert had him from pace, Ruan Pienaar comes up,

you see the break-out, goes through the hands, initially he takes

comfort in the outside but Cuthbert closes the space. Piutau takes it

in, but Pienaar picks it up, there is no fullback at home. Great spot

from Jackson, superb footballing skills. Paddy Jackson has great

footballing skills. I wonder does Jose Mourinho know about Paddy

Jackson? I would imagine -- imagine on a wider angle, Pienaar saying

there is no fullback. Beautifully judged kick from Ruan Pienaar. It

was set up perfectly for Jackson and he is able to execute the five

points. Cardiff have a man down injured as Paddy Jackson adds the

point. Ulster having conceded an early penalty are now leading 7-3

about really brought the crowd to their feet. Just what Ulster needed

after those initial minutes with virtually no possession and no

territory, first time in the card itself and they are going down under

the posts. It looks like Scully came off worst following a collision with

Gilroy. Hopefully he is OK. They will have to wait until he is ready

before they can restart. They both went for the ball and Scully I think

has done something to his elbow. I think he may well have dislocated

his elbow. He was holding his elbow before he hit the ground. Two men in

the air are just looking for the ball. He is leaving the field and he

has been replaced by a very dangerous little fellow called

Matthew Morgan. Formerly of the Ospreys. The end of the the US

International. Scully has played in a couple of World Cups for the USA.

7-3 up. Ulster collect. Sean really gets across his 22. Henderson. --

Reidy. Jared Payne. Anscombe covered it well. Navidi, equally at home.

Six or seven for the Blues. Taken on well by Lee-Lo. Back, Cardiff. They

played some exuberant rugby. Matthew Morgan is very quick. Less so is

Hoeata, but still quite a presence in the middle of the park. Jenkins

could not quite get away. Andrew Warwick to Ruan Pienaar. The referee

calls advantage over and other clever kick by Ruan Pienaar. Ulster

lose the possession but they gain so much... He has been very prevalent

so far in terms of his tight work and especially around the rock and

contact area, he makes the initial contact. Roger Wilson is able to

strip the ball away from Filise. Ulster on the counter, they have to

look to slow down some of this Cardiff ball. Cardiff look quick and

it all looks nice and fancy going side to side, not a lot of cut and

thrust our line breaks yet. Ulster need to speed up their line speed

and compete more. Cardiff had taken a couple of men out of the line-out.

Taken by Hoeata. Rory Best are going in. The referee

telling them they have to play, Lloyd Williams, left footed. The

referee is asking his assistant on the far side and Ulster will have

the option because it was knocked into touch. Ulster have the option

of the line-out or the scrum. Rory Best has gone for the scrum. They

fancy their set piste. It has been strong all this year. 98% success

rate, but a couple of fantastic box kicks from Lloyd Williams. Two great

box kicks from two great chases from the card of left-wingers. What a

front row Cardiff are fielding, including 48 and Filise. Ulster,

just ?1 and man lighter. That is a good Ulster scrum. Ruan Pienaar.

That is great strength by Ulster and Paddy Jackson, he has made some

ground. The referee says the turnover is fair, Ulster needed to

get a few more men there, this could be dangerous. Anscombe gets it away

to Matthew Morgan. Wonderful covering tackle. Again the crowd

giving voice to something that happened in flight. Reidy came

thundering end. The advantage coming to Cardiff. Very nearly caught. Ian

Davis is being very straightforward about his decisions. I am pretty

sure they will go for goal. I think they will, Andrew Warwick got

caught. Absolutely clubbed him to the ground. Andrew Warwick came in

on the steel and initially played the ball and looked like he would

get it but lost his feet. There is the big hit from Herbst. Warwick is

on the ball but not maintaining his own body weight. He was initially

but he dropped onto his knees and once that happens, you cannot play

it and he continued to play at. I do not think he meant to do it. I think

he slept. Anscombe will prove me wrong and Cardiff have gone for a

territory. 7-3 to Ulster. That is something that layers case has been

looking for, bringing another edge to their game. It is carrying the

ball and making those offensive pets. -- Les Kiss. Rory Best just

disputing that last call. Ian Davies is having none of it. Rees, cleverly

done, Gethin Jenkins back in to Navidi. Filise, what a tackle

thereby Roger Wilson. Taken on by Hoeata. Capped three times for New

Zealand. Bit of crossing, Ulster get the penalty. Much to the delight of

the home crowd. Take quickly by Pienaar. Alex Cuthbert, just getting

in each other's way. It had gone to the hands of Lee-Lo.

The penalty was given for a little bit of crossing. No question about

that. Taken quickly by Ruan Pienaar but first and foremost he makes sure

that he found his touch. Reidy and Roger Wilson in the middle of the

field. Great take by Henderson. Jackson, Olding, that looked highly.

Pienaar. The referee has acknowledged that

the tackle was high, he is talking about a penalty now. Our way go

Ulster and away it goes Reidy. The referee is still plain advantage to

Ulster. Good work by Alan O'Connor. Jared Payne. Nicely done. Marshall.

Delayed it slightly. Advantages over. That is sloppy. And here is

Lee-Lo. Our way to Williams on the far side. Lloyd Williams. Josh the

media. -- Navidi. Here comes Cuthbert who is enormous.

Anscombe. Sam Warburton. Anscombe again, Matthew Morgan. Look at the

pace of Williams. Knocked forward. You can see just the small glimpses

we have had of this Cardiff fullback, while he is rated so

highly. Twinkle toes, isn't a? Just teed up the defenders, sucked in

Gilroy and Reidy. Williams looks good running as well with his big

gaping stride. Good with ball in hand.

It was pretty long and you made a good gain of territory.

That was pretty high and Stuart Olding has this ability, he does

pick up a lot of swinging arms because of it. Anscombe was a little

bit reckless. The opening quarter of this game has firmly flown men.

Penalty to Cardiff by Gareth Anscombe followed later by a

splendid try by Paddy Jackson. Jackson added the point himself.

Ulster have a very tough run in. They face Munster in Limerick and

then I way to the Ospreys. Finally here at the Kingspan Stadium, they

face former champions Leinster, Connacht other current champions. --

are the current champions. Not much wrong with that Ulster scrum. Stuart

Olding. Ruan Pienaar switches, Ciaran Treadwell into contact.

Pienaar has brought that infield. A bit of obstruction there by Rees.

That was knocked on and played. Keith Allan just confirming that a

Cardiff Blues player knocked the ball forward. It is a penalty to

Ulster. It was Jenkins, the Cardiff number six who must get behind his

own player before he can play the ball. He cannot play it in front of

them without the ball being knocked forward.

Rees, we are delighted to say, he has recovered from a battle with

testicular cancer are a few seasons ago. Good to see him back to his old

ebullient, aggressive self. Rory Best. Henderson. Jackson, he did not

get much protection merit, Reidy, when he took the ball. I think he

has jarred his knee. Knocked forward. This could be interesting,

Cuthbert is out wide, Lee-Lo has beaten the first defender rather

easily. Lloyd Williams, Matthew Morgan. Hoeata. That is a great run

by the all and good support from the men in blue and may be.

Herbst See what happens when you make a mistake? Straight through!

All too easy. And here is Rey Lee-Lo.

The referee wants to check if there was a forward pass in all of that.

Cardiff looking so dangerous. Anscombe, Ulster shot right above

the line there. There is a chance for Cardiff. Here comes Cuthbert. A

little dummy by Matthews Rees. Brought down and this is dangerous

times for Ulster. A drive through the line, the referee is there to

have a look. And he's given a try. It may be Sam Warburton.

He's going to go and check it. But I reckon Sam Warburton has the first

try for the visitors and it came from an Ulster mistake in the middle

of the park. An Ulster mistake. It's the turnover

ball with the passes. That is where the vast majority of tries comes

from in the modern game. Rey Lee-Lo, he can cut you trow

shreds. Ulster are unable to slow down the ball. And for me, Warburton

is in there, quite clearly. Is he going to ask Stefano Roscini

to have a look at that? I think he will be.

Filise seems in trouble, the Cardiff tight head. I think that the try

must have been given. Anscombe is going to have a pop at this.

They asked for a pass to be checked in the other corner. The position

for Sam Warburton was first class. He couldn't have been in a better

place. Anscombe with the opening points of

this game after eight minutes. 15 minutes can he add a conversion?

Stuck nicely right between the posts. It's a good kick from Gareth

an come. What a see saw game we are having this afternoon at Mervyn

King. If Ulster thought that Cardiff were

turning up for the appearance, they have had their answer if the first

20 minutes. Cardiff have had good lead.

Paddy Jackson has not made an error. I was watching them against

Gloucester. It was good value for the lead. You start to find as the

weather gets better these two Southern Hemisphere centres are

potent with ball in hand. And the mid-field defensive system sorted

out, they are a little ahead of each other at the minute with a dog leg.

With two steppers, if you are not in synch, you are going to find a hole.

Happy with that so far. His side leading by three points.

Let's see if Ulster can excerpt pressure in the scrum.

Warwick starting his second successive game, likewise, Herbst.

It's a good squeeze by Ulster. Great work by Warwick there. Here

comes an come. It's gone wide to Rey Lee-Lo.

That was a forward pass. Roger Wilson gathers and moves well.

Marshall is outside of them now and away from the first, second and the

third tackle. Good work by Sean Reidy.

And Warwick with a position... Again, the crowd don't like what

they thought was a high tackle. Here comes Treadwell.

Ulster have to keep possession. No panic setting in.

A little more settled now. Holding the outside-half.

Food hell told to get out of it. Pienaar with a delay on the pass.

There goes Roger Wilson. Coming to an end of an outstanding

career for Ulster and the Northampton Saints.

A good drive-by the second row forward. Jenkins making a real pest

of himself at the breakdown. Luke Marshall doing well. He's broken

away. A big head of steam built up by

Ulster who have the penalty. The crowd are baying... But Ulster

may settle for the penalty. What to they do? Go for the three or for the

corner and go for more? The win is the important thing, so you take the

points. Somebody is down injured. It looks

like George Earle. The second row. Good support play by the tighthead

prop, Herbst. At that point, Cardiff were all over the ball. Rey Lee-Lo

was in there. Herbst looks as if he has shed a

pound or two. He looks like he has trimmed himself down. We spoke about

his impact with the tackle. It's a nice trail line off Marshall.

Putting himself into position to pick off that pass.

James Down is coming down for the unfortunate George Earle who is

leaving us. A late two replacements because of injury. Firstly, Blane,

Scully, now it is George Earle, the 30-year-old born in der BA Durban.

He a played for the Scarlets on 91 occasions. 6ft 7, James Down coming

on for his seventh league performance. That is unfortunate for

George Earle. It looks like he has twigged a knee.

Clearly he cannot continue. James Down, as you say he has played many

times for Cardiff. Well versed in what they are doing.

He drops the average age of the front five.

There are two plops on the bench, they are under 20, 19 and 20 years

old. Perhaps this is where the future lies for Cardiff over the

next few years. A generous round of applause for the

unfortunate George Earle, leaving the field.

Now to a decision about what to do with the very kickable penalty. Into

the corner may be what Rory Best is thinking about. And that's exactly

what they are going for. Henderson has been the primary

receiver. Rory Best on the touch line. He's going to get there early.

Pick out his man. One would imagine Henderson has been the man early

doors. He may try to stem the Uhl sure driving maul.

Taken by O'Conner. And initially shot off with the

Ulster driver. Ulster have it. Here goes the

captain. A stumble from Best. He is hanging on to it. Best is not so far

away. The referee has given a penalty try, taken down by Cardiff

as Ulster were in the act of scoring a try.

Beautiful. Rory Best throws the dart. That's brave of them.

O'Conner gets up well. This is something that they have versed them

well in, the Ulster coach. Best at the back. He does well. He

goes to one knee but is back up quickly.

I think he probably had the ball down. The referee has gone under.

It would make up for the try he thought he got during the Six

Nations. An intervention by a colleague,

shall which say, will be nameless. The information I have is number

three. Well, both captains engaged in

various series of conversations with Ian Davies so far.

I wonder if he has had trouble identifying the culprit? Certainly

he is looking at the card of number three.

If Ulster spin this off, that is a real good effort at the front. The

men at the front working hard. Filise came in from the side.

I'm not convinced that a particular took that day.

Yep, the penalty try will stand. I don't think that Filise was the

man on his own caused that. It was a collective fault by the Cardiff

defence. Ulster get the penalty try and Paddy Jackson has added the

conversion so Ulster are back in the lead. What a first half we have had.

Nearly half an hour gone. The first Timex cueings and Ulster

get seven points and for the first time now they take the lead.

Good decision-making. This was good work from the captain.

Understated and he gets his point to the referee as well.

Paddy Jackson with the high kick. Anscombe, caught by Roger Wilson.

Anscombe has wriggled away. The feet there of Rey Lee-Lo.

Williams is loose. Trim defending by Ulster's captain

and the youngest member of the Ulster side, Kieren Treadwell.

It's the tackle that you hear people talking about. Naffedy takes it in.

Treadwell takes and hold it is high. Treadwell is able to lock himself on

to the ball. There is no why that ball is coming

from there. Roger Wilson adds his weight. Clearly held up and scrum

down put into Ulster. Half an hour gone. 14-10 to Ulster.

What an odd season they have had. They sett off they have won six in a

row and are aiming for seven in a row for the first time for four

seasons. Pienaar! Nicely done! And Payne is through.

Away they go. Pienaar in quickly. Sean Reidy and

Cardiff have men back. They will try to stretch them here. Here goes

Herbst. From the Cardiff line, that was well

taken by Payne. He managed to change direction as he took a very

difficult pass. Ulster have managed to lose it. Away

goes Morgan. He's found a pretty decent touch and

Cardiff relieved the pressure. This is one of the most dangerous broken

field runners in the business. Absolutely.

We saw it with the Ospreys. Absolutely. But what a line by

Payne. Ulster took the ball to work the overload. They blind sided

Jenkins. Pulling him too far across the pitch.

Cardiff. Williams going down and Morgan

hoping to clear the lines but you can see the ball come out. Williams

is down. They're able to clear. Morgan might have thought he had a

shot at that. He boots it away. But a great scramble defence from

Cardiff. You can see what Ulster can do when

they can identify individual runners, such is the quality of the

back three. The strike running ability and line running is as good

as you'll see in this competition. On a night like tonight when the

ball is dry, it can cut some rounds. Taken quickly by Ulster.

Pienaar looking for a forward to take it on.

The biggest is evenian Henderson and he's still going. Jenkins again,

looking close to the offside line. That was a real thump on Craig

Gillroy. This could be dangerous. Lloyd

Williams. Anscombe is away from the tackle of Wilson. Chip and chase

goes Cuthbert. Play on, says the referee.

They are happy to go into touch. That nearly could have been

Cardiff's second try and indicative, Tony, of how dangerous these guys

are? Absolutely. They flood the tackle situation. They get the turn

over. Anscombe breaks. Nothing, a clever decision. He has no support,

Payne is involved. Good cover but one thing I have to say, I didn't

realise how much pace Cuthbert has. He was given there two or three

yards. Maybe he could be carrying an

injury. But Cuthbert covers the ground quickly.

It's been a difficult few months for Cuthbert. He has come in for a lot

of stick from people. He played in a Test for the Lions four years ago.

That wasn't straight. It is one of those silly things that everybody

regrets you do. It has given Ulster a chance to clear the lines. If they

can clear it and stick it 14-10 by the very value, they will be happy.

Down there, no excuse. Ulster will clearly stay on the ground. Matthews

Rees has to throw that straight. It doesn't matter where it hits. As

long as it is straight they're going to win it. For a man of his

experience, that's unforgiveable. Yep, 60 international caps for

Wales. He played in all three Tests, remember.

The Ulster scrum has been solid. Here goes Wilson.

Luke Marshall, taken by Warburton. Still moving forward.

It is all a little bit on the scruffy side and they turned that

one over. Anscombe gets it away.

Halaholo a is almost indistinct wishable from his side kick in the

park, Rey Lee-Lo. Here come the Cardiff Blues and who is to say they

went get a second try and regain the lead through yet another Ulster

error? Here they come again. Cardiff have

men lined out at decent angles to attack.

So, come back. Ulster dig in. The referee has spotted them not

forward. Waiting for advantage to Ulster. Rory Best pick it is up.

Ulster get it away. It's Olding. Still going forward. He's done well.

It looks good. But how sensible is it? Here is Mr Sensible.

That's a clever kick. He needs the bounce to be kind.

Lloyd Williams showed the ball and found the gap.

Ulster have made a good tackle. Back on the Cardiff side. Filise is still

moving forward. Lloyd Williams, that's gone loose.

Knocked forward by somester. Referee playing advantage to Cardiff and

Cardiff have another player injured. Dear oh, dear.

The Ulster forward is throwing off a few tackles, going too high in my

opinion. They could come off second best.

What Cardiff can do, is when the bounce comes they are able to get

the offload away. Warburton Warburton is down.

Ulster are turning their own ball over. It is a bigger worry as

half-time is fast-approaching. That is not a very good sight for

the Northern Hemisphere rugby. Sure it is only a minor thing.

28-year-old Sam Warburton, who captained the Lions is going off the

field. I'm hearing from my good friend and

BBC Wales colleagues that Jones is not in good shape at the moment.

He has had a shoulder injury he picked up from Paris in the last

match. Certainly Warren Gatland will be looking for Alun Wyn Jones to be

on the plane and here's hoping that Warburton can make it too.

Now, who is packing down in the middle of the car if back row to add

extra beef and bite to the whole thing, it's Nick Williams. So Nick

Williams on. Cardiff trailing by four points. They've had to make

three changes due to injury. Williams with the pick-up. Not the

greatest return. Here's Morgan. Now watch out for him.

Luke Marshall getting no room. Here is Williams taking off at the ankles

by Alan O'Conner. That's gone loose.

Clever stuff by Ulster. Here comes Craig Gillroy. I think he has

stepped back. Sean Reidy is coming. Cuthbert will have a go.

Play on, says the referee. Knocked forward by Ian Henderson.

Had Ulster caught that, it was a half decent chance of a try.

Cuthbert was lucky. Good by Gillroy and Olding. He is so quick and reads

the game so well. Hammers it in behind. Cuthbert is back and gets

the deflection off Pienaar. Henderson struggle to pick it off

the boot laces. There's Nick he played no more than

76 times for the All Blacks with a round the houses career. Had a spell

with Munster. Signed by Ulster.

Enjoying himself now at Cardiff. He has had a fractured season in

Cardiff. Had some injuries. Came back. But not quite fulfilled the

promise. Well, a pretty decent performance by

Pat Lambside. It has not done them harm for the play-off places.

Ulster, 14-10, up against the Cardiff side who have taken the lead

twice. Gethin Jenkins, I remember him many

years ago, he scored a fine try for Wales against Ireland when he ran in

from who metres. And he is still doing it as well.

Sam Warburton with a bang on the knee. Looking reflective and with a

little discomfort. A big ice pack there.

The clock will start again. Two minutes remaining until the

interval. This first half has flown in.

We expected tries and we've got the tries.

We didn't think it would be this close.

Have to make the first tackle and they didn't. Intercepted by Pienaar.

There are a few tough tackles by Ulster but just not so clean.

This are too high. He low, the easy pass was to Morgan.

He chose the pass comingonside, constable.

He chose the pass coming onside. Over a minute to go and Cardiff are

just outside of their own 22. A shortened line-out yet again. A good

challenge by Ulster. Hoeata with the ball.

Or it could have been James Down. No, it was Hoeata.

Tucked in at the back there. Conjuring the drive well. Good work

by Herbst. Before that, Roger Wilson, poised to attack somebody

around the fringes. Into the last-minute. Naffedy to

Filise, who slip it is to Lloyd Williams. Gillroy... Payne had a wee

glance. Dear oh, dear. Kick and chase and

the advantage is over. Back goes Jared Payne. Pienaar left it.

Reidy had a look outside. Tackled by the Cardiff skipper

Jenkins. Here comes Roger Wilson trying to

make a bit of ground. Payne is hobbling. He has had a bit

of a bang. That's gone into touch. That's the end of the first half and

it's been played at fair pace. Lots of mistakes, the majority of which

have been made by an Ulster side. But they will be pleased, albeit

with a small margin. They will be but for me, Cardiff

played more of the rugby. And they are lucky to be going into the

second half four points down only. More tries out there from both

sides. A friendly hug from Nick Williams to

his old playing buddy, Paddy Jackson as they leave the field.

There will be words about tightening up and the fundamental errors. What

a glorious scene that is. I hope those children are enjoying

themselves. We certainly are here at the Kingspan Stadium Kenning it's

Ulster, 14, and the Cardiff Blues, 10.

Breathless stuff and magic from Jackson. A lot of physicality from

Cardiff. They have their moments but Ulster have etched it.

-- edged it. Ryan Constable and Stephen Ferris.

The punters have their money's worth? Yes, lots of running and lots

of rugby. . Cardiff came to play. We were

talking in the first half. I think that Ulster would like it more

structured. Cardiff want a loose game. Because of the guise, Halaholo

in mid-field. They are breaking tackles for fun. Ulster, half-time,

a little more structure. Playing to the corners, field position and then

get on top. Great to watch. I bet that the

coaches are stressed out? A lot of missed tackles. High tempo.

Throneing back these which both teams are trying to get into the

game. It comes down to the tempo with which a they want to play. And

the tackles. Both teams have issues there to address. But certainly

flowing rugby and entertaining stuff to watch.

And the first try? That was clever. The contest early on for the ball.

Leaving Scully on the ground as a result of this legal challenge. Both

players in the air. A number of phases there. Then the intelligence

of the plays. So they managed to hold the inside defenders. And

Piutau is an open space. When he is in open space you know you are

making open ground. Pienaar is aware there is no wing coming across and

Jackson runs the line. The communication between the two of

them and Jackson is in acres of space. Clever, intelligent play.

It reminded me of Spencer a few years ago. Treviso at home. Paddy

probably could have caught it earlier but a great try.

More of Ryan's stuff. And there has been lots of that this first half?

Lots of big hits and high shots. But missed tackles. The guys have to go

lower. Wilson is going for a wrap around tackle, defended by Anscombe.

But you cannot question the Boyce' endeavour. Both teams are putting in

the effort. But great to watch. It's what the punters are paying the

money for. And in the second half, I'm sure there will be more big

hits. And Rory Best with the famous grip

he has. Latching on, you can't get rid of him? He has the farmer's

strength. When that guy gets you in a head lock you know about it. We

spoke about the influence that the centres have tor Cardiff. And the

Warburton try? Outstanding. Off to the right, to the left, pace

to go through and offloads here. This was a try with a number of

missed tackles that led up to it. Rey Lee-Lo using his feel to stay in

the field of play. Good ball security. This is the end. The

palm-off promoting the ball forward. The pace of ball is allowing Cardiff

to make the inroads. Warburton with the strength to the line to power

over. I think Ulster should learn from

this. You can see from that, the only person from us whose uses it is

Charles Pier tell. When it is a one-on-one tackle, if you can do

that, you can really make yards. The guys from card for causing trouble,

hopefully not too much of the second half. It will be addressed at

half-time. We talked about the influence of the key Ulsterman, like

Rory Best, he made a big call for what would be the penalty try. He

made those big calls throughout the 6 Nations and some people questioned

them when they did not work out against Wales, but he calls it, they

have a great setup and it is not just Rory Best and the boys at the

back, it is the guys working hard up front, they are keeping themselves

squarer and steady and look at that. The referee had no other option

apart from two awarded the penalty try. That is teamwork, the training

ground, all the hard yards put in, it is an easy seven pointer. The

influence of Rory Best feeds through the team. And it is not just on the

pitch, it is the week before, giving the right messages when they are in

the changing room, he will be there at right -- at half-time, he has a

huge amount of experience and players look up to him. He sets the

tone for this team. Interesting stuff, let's get the perspective

from pitch side. We have got the operations manager Bryn coming ham.

Can I ask, there was a lot of speculation that Cardiff, near but

not a lot to play for. We would not have expected them to come and not

try and put their best foot forward and try and be aggressive. We tried

to keep the ball in hand a lot, it is a nice night, firmer ground and

they like to play a bit of rugby. I thought they started well, we could

not get possession. I thought our defence was outstanding, some of the

best we have shown all season. It was probably only really towards the

end of the half only missed a couple of tackles only need to make sure we

shore up that defensive of tackles only need to make sure we

and large I thought are speed off the line been pretty good and we

have been good at not chasing rocks, just coming back, no loss causes are

by and large it has been good. The one place where they seem to be

punching holes is that access between Jackson and holding and two

playmakers is something we are seeing right throughout Irish rugby

but is that the price you pay, they are weaker in that particular area?

I would not agree. They are very good defenders. There is no doubt

there has been the odd slip tackle but by and large those guys defend

well, Paddy Jackson has been one of the most solid and offensive terms

around. He can get nice and low on players on the main thing for him is

when he goes low, he is outstanding. If he goes high, it can be

difficult, but I would be happy with their defensive partnership and the

same with Luke, it is about getting more possession. They have probably

made the breakdown difficult, they have thrown bodies in their weather

it is legal or illegal, it is discretionary, but we have to look

after the ball better and if we do that, we have shown that we are a

dangerous and capable of scoring tries. Thank you. Not quite as happy

as you would expect, but lots for Ulster to build on. It is about

possession and if you deny a card of the ball, they cannot play that

width game and I think a lot of the problems have come when they have

developed this and when you have got the quality of outside backs that

Cardiff have, when you get mismatches, they will expose that. I

think it is more about structure, they have an advantage, they need to

bring that to bear on the game. A little bit more kicking, they will

see what happened last week with Cardiff where they seem to run out

of steam and Ulster at home have more to play for. That will come

through. It is looming large, the Lions tour, but a big blow for some

Lions fans to see Sam Warburton limping off. It is not a nice thing,

when the Lions is looming around the corner and you pick up a knock.

Hopefully it is not serious, he has had his fair share of injuries,

hopefully he can do with this and get back. A lot of people are at to

bring him to be a captain. I think there is another Rory Best on the

pitch tonight who has thrown his hat into the ring. Disappointing for

Cardiff to lose him. Even when he lost the Welsh captaincy, he seemed

to be playing very good rugby. It is disappointing for everyone here, but

fingers crossed he will be OK. That announcement is on the 19th of

April, how many Ulsterman do you think will be going to New Zealand?

They have not had the European platform to show their wares and I

think Rory Best, he has captained Ireland against New Zealand and beat

them and that has to count for something. Jared Payne has played

well, he has versatility, Henderson has the ability to play second row,

Paddy Jackson, there are plenty of guys in the contenders category and

it depends what game plan they employ and that has to dictate what

they select. You have been there, is it stressful? For me, I think we had

Cardiff the week before the Lions tour was announced and Andy Powell

had an absolute storm and team more or less played himself into the

squad. These games, Warren Gatling will be watching and they are

important, so the guy should have that in the back of their mind. Not

just the win, that will be important, but for their own

personal performance to make sure they give it everything, because you

just never know and this Lions tour is going to take its toll, there are

going to be injuries and call ups, so everyone has to be on their toes.

And Ulster and if collectively to get over the line? They know what is

coming, plenty of confidence, they have had six wins on the trot, they

have got to be confident, they have to back their ability, tighten up a

little bit defensively, particularly when they get stretch, deny that

kick return game that they have got and Ulster should have enough to eat

come through and win this game. What is the half-time message? More

structure, try and get through some multi-faces and break these guys

down. Get a couple of passes and I get it into the hands of Charles

Piutau. Ulster were playing towards the park and hopefully we will get a

couple of tries and said the supporters home happy. Thank you. We

will rejoin our commentary team. What a second we have in prospect.

Good to see a few Cardiff Blues fans here. There is a man who the fans

adored when he was at the Kingspan Stadium. I am reliably informed that

Cardiff having lost Scully to injury have made a replacement at the start

of the second half and they have brought on as a ratty to play tight

head instead of Filise. Paddy Jackson to get the second half

under way. Ulster, as they prefer to do in the second half, playing

towards the war memorial end. Good chase by Piutau, wrapped up Matthew

Morgan. Navidi, aggressive as ever. Back to Anscombe. Jared Payne seems

to have recovered from that little knock that he had. His leg was

twisted. Pienaar. Henderson, well taken, no change out of the Cardiff

defence. Pienaar again. Jackson, well done by Alan O'Connor. Pienaar,

chance of an overlap. Treadwell has a lot of pace. Loads of pace,

likewise, Jared Payne, that lying is the Cardiff 22 and this is

Henderson, at the cheque. Nick Williams. Piutau with not a lot of

room in which to move. Reidy, from Ruan Pienaar. Andrew Warwick.

Pienaar to the narrow side, Olding, I think it has gone backwards. It is

scruffy. Paddy Jackson tidies up and does well and Ulster being too

overambitious with the little backhanded Flex. They are trying to

tee up the defender. I think the boys made a good point, Jared Payne

is hobbling. It looks like Jacob Stockdale is coming on. They go

through a few faces, getting into this Cardiff pack. Try and tie them

in, find some space for their own outside backs. Jared Payne has left

the field. He has not recovered from that little bump. On comes the man

who has had a splendid season with eight tries so far, second place

behind Rohan Omar Hannay. Rory Best, that is not the time to overthrow.

Anscombe, chance for Cardiff and Matthew Morgan, not bad pace and

this is another youngster. Williams. Piutau. Ulster living pretty

dangerously. Craig Gilroy did well to get the back turned to stop the

Cardiff attack are getting close to the football. Aggressive stuff by

cup bird. Roger Wilson and Ulster, from having been in the card of 22

are back within ten metres of their own line, even less. Pienaar. Did

not find his touch, here is Williams. Good clearing out, Cardiff

on the front foot thanks to Ulster errors again. Halaholo. Don't think

there was even close. It was at least a yard! Ian Davies was in a

good position, you saw that Cardiff tried to shore up the Ulster defence

and work to the outside and Treadwell did well managed to keep

space, back his own pace to make sure he was not left for dead.

Hoeata, 34 years of age, but the introduction of Assiratti has

brought the average age of the Cardiff front five down by about 20

years, he is only 19. He will have his work cut out against Andy

Warwick. Small figure, quite stout, technically very good. A great

prospect they reckon in Wales. Roger Wilson. Olding. Good leg drive.

Navidi cleared out of the way. Luke Marshall. It is from outside the 22

and that is going to be a line-out to Cardiff back on the 22.

Fundamental errors by Ulster again. Just the shank this time from Luke

Marshall. Potentially to be Plainmoor down the side of the

pitches he is going to kick rather than narrow the target. You can

understand what Ulster are trying to do, trying to clear their own gain

line, get the ball out and reset the defensive line and chase after it.

Good line-out by Carla. Anscombe. Lovely pass. There is a huge hole

there. Williams gets it away, Gareth Anscombe. Would love to score a try

against the side who dispense with his father's services a few seasons

ago. Good interception by Henderson. It must come away. Cardiff get the

penalty. Three points would close the gap to one but I have a feeling

they will go for the corner. There is a bit of a con flab going here.

Iain Henderson will take that. Stripping one off Nick Williams. The

reason the penalty was given away was because although Henderson was

on his feet, he was the second Ulster tackler and the referee had

deemed that the man carrying the ball had to be released in the

tackle so he really should have given up the ball. He was fair in

terms of being able to strip it away from Nick Williams. That is the

first that done, Cardiff saw Ulster again a penalty try. Ulster I don't

think you're going to commit the same offence. The referee says... Is

immensely strong. Likewise Alan O'Connor who has tackled him.

Assiratti. Kim off a standing start pretty well. Navidi. The Ulster fit

came round. Beautifully done, what a lovely try, well

taken by Lee-Lo. That has been on the cards from the first minute.

Cardiff have really attacked Ulster. Fantastic line, Anscombe with a very

slick pass. He knows exactly where Lee-Lo is going to be. Great line

under the post but it has been coming. For the third time, Cardiff

take the lead and that was coming and Ulster's midfield defence, at

sixes and sevens there. You can take that back to the piece play that led

to the penalty, that was kicked through the corner and Ulster were

split wide open, outside runner, Ulster defensive centre combination,

they are too far apart, there is a space they get beaten by the step

and then Cardiff pour through the hole. Anscombe adds the extra point.

It was 3-0 to Cardiff and then 7- to Ulster, now Cardiff are back in the

lead, albeit by three points, 17-14 to Cardiff. There was no one within

toasting distance. Wonderful sleight of hand from Anscombe. It is the

turn of Cardiff to make a mistake and Ulster could not capitalise.

They have the ball and it was dropped. This is one of the

dangerous combinations. Nick Williams, typical short ranged

burst. Hoeata. He just about got it at the second

attempt. Knocked forward. Williams leaves it for Lloyd Williams.

Lloyd Williams has played very well tonight. He has kept that Enfield,

Gilroy, Jenkins outside him. Gets into a bit of white space, capped by

Anscombe. Here is Matthew Morgan. This is enterprise indeed. Jenkins

gets hit away. Hoeata, out wide for Williams, Rory Best, Gethin Jenkins,

the skipper. Cardiff with their tails up at the Kingspan Stadium.

Anscombe. There is the try scorer. Stockdale covers back and Cardiff

are playing with great exuberance and no little skill. They have got

this ball on a string and they have the Ulster defence on hate, moving

the ball around endlessly, side to side, the guys talked about it at

half-time, there was very little structure, they tried to read what

each individual player is going to do. It is that combination, stepping

up, I am really impressed with Williams. Looks very much like Liam

Williams who plays for Wales and the Scarlets and that Bandy Leggett

approach,... Nobody could be as Bandy Leggett as him! He reads the

game so well, he is full of promise. This is just his sixth league game,

played nine times for the Wales under 20 team and has another season

to come at that level. Born in Bangor, North Wales, he is a student

at the university there. Danny Wilson will be happy with things.

Hugely disappointed at the second-half capitulation away to

Gloucester. Herbst is getting treatment. Rory Best, fast

approaching 200 games for Ulster. I wonder what is going through his

head? Ulster have got the hardest run end of any of the sides in the

Pro12. They have got to play the three teams here are currently above

them in the league table. And remember, one eye over their

shoulder, because the Scarlets are at home to Treviso tomorrow, should

be a 5-point for the men from the Scarlets. Ian Davies telling Ulster

to get on with it, seems to be some miscommunication there. Rory Best is

going to throw it in. Time for a year and Davies to step

in. You step up. Stay there. Behave yourselves. Good take by Alan

O'Connor. The scoreboard is not what Ulster wanted to be. Pienaar. Find

Cuthbert. Here is Matthew Morgan. Third on the gas, good tackle, going

forward. Referee plane advantage to Ulster. At least Ulster will get a

foot into the scrum, there are still looking dangerous. It is all on the

structure. Morgan takes the ball, so quick, ball in both hands, it looked

as though he was going to get beaten. You can see what Morgan was

trying to do, flicked the ball out, looking for a support runner to pick

it up and Ulster perhaps lucky the knock-on came and they get a pretty

decent midfield scrum. Cardiff obviously with the advantage on the

back line. Maybe a little bit of a move here. Herbst was the most

capped player of all-time. A good solid Ulster scrum, one good

positive tonight. Pienaar and the other side, Jacob Stockdale. Not for

the first time, Ulster having done all the good stuff, just gave it

away, Stockdale could not keep a grip on the ball. The Cardiff

replacement tight head prop, Assiratti is in trouble. I am not

sure if he has got cramp or has strained a calf muscle. He is down

and he is in trouble. He has only been on the field for ten minutes.

You would hope it is not cramp after only ten minutes. A bit of strapping

will be applied here, just to get him back onto the field. Stockdale

did all the hard work. Early transfer. 19-0 at the minute to

Connacht. There is a lot of ice on that. A couple of metres of tape for

Assiratti. Rory Best has pulled his Ulster side in and is giving them, I

would not say a rollicking, but he is having serious words to say

concentrate, concentrate, because that is all it is. It is just focus

and attention to detail, even going back to the last line outcome of

miscommunication, Rory had to step back and to clarify the call,

clarify who the ball was going go to. If you get that sorted out, yet

let she execute your own ball better, but do not give the

opposition and the chance to get in there and make a mess of things.

Cardiff scrum, in the Ulster half. Assiratti, back in the Cardiff tight

head side of the scrum. Good squeeze by Ulster, Navidi.

Anscombe had got around Morgan. There goes Cuthbert. No room on the

far side for the six foot six winger, Lord Williams, Anscombe

looking for the Scout gap. -- looking for the inside gap. Cuthbert

has really put himself about tonight, likewise Lee-Lo and his

partner Halaholo. Matthew Morgan. Nabbed by round peeler, Lloyd

Williams, cleverly done. That will be Ulster line-out. Ulster are

trailing -- Ruan Pienaar. It is uncontested ruck time, tackles may,

Ulster happy to assess the situation. Trying to stay on their

feet and either get hold of scrum-half or driving through and

been able to turn the ball over. Stay where you are. Ulster have

called a five-man line-out, Roger Wilson and Sean Reidy have departed.

Good pass from Pienaar. Navidi. Pienaar from the near side. Williams

takes it well and he gets Gilroy at the same time, Rory Best was in

quickly. Rory Best told to get out of it, Assiratti, the replacement

prop, Jenkins. Lee-Lo, he has got away again, what is going on in the

middle of the park for Ulster? Here goes Nick Williams. Matthew Rees.

Williams, Lloyd, Ulster up quickly. Marshall, did well to hang on. Still

the Blues keep the ball. Nick Williams. Infanticide and their

replacement prop Assiratti came in from the side and a rueful grin from

Nick Williams. -- in from the side. Assiratti around the back. Through

the gate as the referee calls it. Now they're on the defence. Ulster

had got themselves in close, this is about the first time in this

second-half, there is the handoff, he did well to hold on. The penalty

kick has taken Ulster to within reasonable striking distance, it is

all about accuracy here. Phil line-out, Herbst at the back. Ruan

Pienaar. Jackson. Ulster into the 22, now Ruan Pienaar, Roger Wilson.

That is dreadful, that should be a yellow card. Crowd calling for the

card. This would bring the sides back to level terms. That is spot

on, it has levelled up scores from the perspective of Ulster. He is

going to have a poacher at those. For everyone that you give away, you

might get one. Andrew Trimble, I have a feeling, is going to be

coming on. Craig Gilroy is going to depart and a lot of the Ulster joint

skippers is going to come on. Jackson, two conversion so far, this

to bring it to level pegging and really a draw would not be enough

for Ulster, they need a victory here tonight. Regulation from Paddy

Jackson. Cardiff will have to make a

replacement in the middle of their front row.

If there is any doubt get checked out. There are plenty of

replacements available. Gillroy has left the field.

Andrew Trimble is on. We might have another former Welsh

international, temporarily for Matthews Rees.

It's Myhill. Still playing a lot of ball inside

their own territory. Jackson hoists that.

Trimble, the first touch of the ball since fracturing his hand a month

ago. Cardiff regain possession. Henderson almost holds them up.

Gethin Jenkins, well tackled by Rory Best.

Cardiff are Varianying it nicely. -- varying it nicely.

Blues again. Taken on by Kirby Myhill.

Good impact by the replacement hooker.

Anscombe again. Now there's that clever dummy by

Willis Halaholo. He and Rey Lee-Lo have been thorns

in Ulster's side. Morgan is outside of Marshall. Play

on, says the referee. Piutau goes to ground. The referee playing a

knock-on advantage to Ulster. As we come to the end of the third

quarter, it is still tantalisingly close.

Cardiff have done well this evening in terms of their ability to isolate

Piutau. We have seen from their kick-offs that they are happy to

kick to him. Chase line him, shut him down.

There have been a couple of incidents with ball in hand but he

has had nowhere near the impact he has had in other games this evening

for Ulster. That's a lovely pass from Nick

Williams. Cardiff making ground in the middle of the park. Oh, dreadful

tackling by Uhlster. Straight through is Rey Lee-Lo. This is

starting to unravel for Ulster's side. Cardiff with the second try in

the second half. It has come from the mid-field supremacy.

The second in 15 minutes. We made the point during the first half,

Ryan and Stephen made the point again at half-time, and Ulster have

not got it sorted. Whatever was said at half-time, it's been soft in

mid-field. No communication. Nobody knows who is taking it. Lee-Lo steps

inside of Piutau and hugely rewarded. Cardiff have been superb

in the second half. Played the ball in hand. Spreading the ball wide.

Ulster's defence as been inept. Cardiff more than richly deserve

this lead. Cardiff have not won in Belfast

since April of 2010. So a seven year gap and Cardiff, you

have to say, thoroughly deserving of the lead with a chaps of a

conversion to come. Gareth Anscombe has not missed anything this

evening. Afterward he's not about to... Nick Williams is trying to

keep things even but Lee-Lo has been magnificent tonight. Superb.

A good challenge by Rory Best, Ulster's captain.

Lloyd Williams, the 110% man. Williams has kept that infield.

Jackson trying to find a gap. Support from Pienaar.

Treadwell gets it away. Olding... Anything to atone for the missed

tackle. There goes Stockdale. Pienaar again. Jackson up to

halfway. Good strength by the Irish. Now Pienaar. Henderson. ...

Stockdale looks threatening every time he gets the ball.

A good covering tackle by James Down.

17.5 minutes remaining. Ulster are trailing by seven points.

the replacement prop. There is another prop, an

interesting name, Domachowski. I tell you what, he held his line.

He wasn't soft. He pushed straight up. He saw the inside pass was on.

Perhaps unlucky not to put it in two hands. Cardiff have lost three

players to injury in the first half, Scully, Earle, and Warburton. They

have had to make a replacement in the front row.

Stockdale looks menacing with the ball. Coming in good. Republicaning

hard. Solid lines. He has a turn of pace as well. But the Ulster back

that looks like he can punch across the gain line. He needs support on

either shoulder if he is able to get through the gam.

-- Gap. And here is Nick Timoney.

Roger Wilson has left the field. Ulster are making another

replacement. So a first cap for Nick Timoney.

And as I said, Matthews Rees has come back on, after having had a

head injury assessment and being pronounced fine.

Timoney has in a number of good didisplace.

-- displays. Looking to make an impact. He is 18,

19. He wants to show these guys what he can do.

Ulster's scrum has been one serious. The ball was in but he was dragged

into touch. That gives Cardiff the line-out. The fine margins are being

won by Cardiff. You can see what Ulster were trying

to do, to come wide. But it required men to come on the switch and angle

it back. Cardiff defended well. Happy to concede the touch line.

Willis Halaholo, Anscombe and I think it is just feet that hit the

line. What Ulster required was Trimble to cut the line, come back

in field and keep the ball and play. Henderson has had an up and down

season. The last couple of games he has played well. His scrummaging has

been well. He is lasting longer. The time has gone when he was pulled

in after 45 minutes here we are after 65 minutes and he is still

going strong. 16.5 minutes remaining.

Ulster's season might hang in the balance. But no matter what happens,

they have been guaranteed champions cup rugby next season. But they

wanted Pro12 and at the moment it will be a difficult proposition for

them. Lloyd Williams has been splendid

behind a good pack. Robbie Diack has to go into

scrum-half. Stockdale in the middle of that.

Rory Best taking it on. It's all a little cramped there. Cardiff have

been good at the breakdown and disrupted Ulster.

Trimble with the chase. Anscombe is underneath. A good tackle by

Treadwell on the Cardiff outside-half. But Anscombe has set

it up nicely. Williams gets away. Look at that step. My goodness. He

is away. And Halaholo and Lee-Lo between them

have caused all the elster problems this afternoon. That's going to be

an Ulster line-out. There is one way to shut it down, to

keep coming forward. The first step he is in, it outs the Ulster

defenders on their heel. Then he is looking for space again.

He is beating them all. He's picked up on the rebound. But

they have to work in a bear to shut these guys down.

Rob Herring is on for Ulster. A lot of changes being made by the

director of rugby. Nearly a great take by Trimble but a

very good take by Cardiff and by Williams.

Are playing as if they had an awful lot to play for at the end of this

season. They have been a bit too clever for

Ulster. happy with the tackle of elyou are.

Ulster get the penalty. Well, 13 minutes remaining, it's

getting tight. But, it's the first time an Ulster

player has come through the ruck. The first time they get a penalty.

But you are right, this will be tight. Cardiff are good value for

it. You can see what they are trying to do. They are not kick the ball

away. They are running time off the clock. The centres are looking for

spaces. Williams with the pick and the go. Ulster really have no answer

to them. And Les is looking somewhat forlorn

there. James Down trying to block the

passage of that ball. Henderson wins it.

Reidy and half a chance for Ulster. Morgan makes the tackle.

Taken on well. Better stuff by the men in white.

Diack and Matthews Rees puts in the tackle.

He's through! Marshall is going to get in! Just what Ulster needed. The

gap closed to two points with a conversion to come and there still

is time. If Ulster have the inclination and the desire to win

this game to do so, there is still time.

A great line for Marshall. Cardiff too high with the tackles.

Marshall rides it off. That's Ulster first real strike move in the half.

Trimble going through the middle. Good control. Here's the ball. A

swinging right arm from Down. Not good enough at this level. You have

to be connected with the tackle. Marshall rides it and goes through.

A flinging arm is not going to stop him.

Jackson has nailed another conversion. That incidentally is

Ulster's third try. But more importantly, it has brought things

level pegging. Two turns will not be enough for Ulster.

Definitely not. The win is all essential. A lovely line for

Marshall. Jackson making no mistake with the conversion.

Well, just over ten minutes remaining here.

And it's a pulsating Mervyn King. it's a pulsating Kingspan Stadium.

Trimble nailed him. The referee is saying it's a maul. And Trimble is

so strong, he has won Ulster the scrum.

Good tactics. Anscombe initially does well. Then

Morgan steps in. Broken hand or not, there was no way

he was letting go of that ball. Can you imagine what he would be

like with two good hands? He has what looks like a hockey glove to

give extra protection but he is immensely strong in the upper body

department. Into the final ten minutes. 24-24.

And three tries a piece. So for somebody, a try is going to give a

bonus point. Williams takes a little touch. It's

going to be an Ulster line-out. Clever, aggressive play by Ulster.

George Piutau with a grin on his face, he enjoyed that.

Ulster stacked to mid-field. Jackson to Olding with a beautiful pass.

Intelligent play. A left-footed chip kick. And Williams does what he has

done. As you say, Ulster on the offensive.

Herring is good with his darts. And Diack has been good, they have

almost a telepathic relationship. Well the place is absolutely

buzzing. Herring... A good take with

Treadwell. And Olding is very nearly through.

Ulster win it back. Here's Robbie Diack. Well presented. Pienaar with

a little flat pass. Reidy has another go. Again it's Rey Lee-Lo

who makes the tackle. Diack nearly gets through.

Trimble at pace! All the pressure coming from the men in white.

Marshall gets it away. Piutau couldn't gather.

Olding has gathered. Play on, says the referee. Ulster are still going

forward. Ulster need to start again. Jackson

away from Morgan. Little sortie on the other side from

Trimble. Minutes remaining. It's gone very

loose. Taken on by Nick Timoney. I thought that was turned over for a

second. Cardiff tackling like demons. Ulster

are to find a way to break down the defence.

Kick by Robbie tie yack. A thundering run by the Irish

international. Five mince remaining. Ulster have to win this game to keep

serious hopes of a top four place alive. Cardiff get the boot into the

scrum. So also have to put in the biggest set piece of the day.

Cardiff are on the ropes. But at long last from Ulster we see urgency

and vim and vigour. Punching holes, staying on their feet. They have

showed the game up, rather than playing this side to side game and

playing into Cardiff's hands. Cardiff are now starting to fall off

the pace and there is space there for Ulster if they can exploit it.

Both sides have changed the loosehead props. Calum Black on for

Randy Warwick and Corey Domachowski has come on for the great man

himself, Gethin Jenkins. A brief stoppage there. Once again

it's the young replacement prop. The 19-year-old Assiratti there.

Two very inexperienced prop forwards coming on.

They have to look at what they can get away with here. Take a breather,

get their breath back. Ulster are in touching distance but

they don't have the ball. They need to get the ball. Cardiff will not be

in a rush to kick it straight into touch. They might kick it down the

field. A squeeze by Ulster, naffedy tackled

by Pienaar. Ulster could have done with a few more back row forwards to

assist the back half. Stockdale making decent ground.

Black straight on the field for Andy Warwick. Ulster might go the narrow

side, they have done. Here is Reidy. Good presentation by Ulster's joint

skipper. Diack to Henderson.

He nearly got away. He's been held on to.

Into the final four minutes. Good tackle. It looks like Kirby

Myhill. Ulster give away the penalty and has

the last chance gone? Three minutes remaining. Cardiff will clear to

touch and get the line-out. Josh knifedy does well.

Able to squeeze himself through there. Timoney carries but naffedy

is hanging on. -- Navidi hangs on there.

The front Fife are out the gate. They don't have the puff to get to

the far side. Cardiff, needless to say, tired or

not, they are not in a rush to get the line-out. Following the Ulster

penalty, they have managed to allow a minute to go past.

Cardiff have taken a couple of players out of the line-out.

Williams does well. One more flourish is there in the

Cardiff side in there might just be. That's a clever chip and chase.

Somebody has to claim that. Piutau does it and has knocked it

backwards. Ian Davies has given the scrum to

Cardiff. The bounce of the ball hard to read.

But Cardiff worked that nicely. It's been difficult to disrupt their

set piece. With that run-out, running around

Morgan. The pack are able to put the

pressure on. A clever kick by Morgan. A good

chasing by Williams. And the knock forward by Piutau has given Cardiff

seconds as we come up to about a minute and a half, maybe less to go

before we at the end of the day game. Ulster really need to win it.

Two points, I don't think it is going to be enough.

A drop goal opportunity, you might think? The Man of the Match award

has gone to the centre, Rey Lee-Lo. Halaholo can't have been too far

behind him. Cardiff on the front foot. Into the

final minute. Anscombe behind. You can hear him almost talking to

Williams saying he's in position, to give it to him. Williams wants to

take it on. Considered Cardiff are finishing strongly. The last-minute,

Ulster will have to shift this. Gathered in by Reidy. It's wide.

Here goes Stockdale. Piutau is still running. A chip and

chase by Morgan. That's gone into touch. There is

just about time and no more. But it's a Cardiff line-out. Ulster have

themselves from their own try line to deep inside the 22. A clever kick

by Paddy Jackson. Well read by Reidy. What a clever pass.

You fancy Piutau has to keep it in hand.

Stepping off the right foot to the left. And to recycle and to give the

Bach to Pienaar. The referee is telling Cardiff to

hurry up. We are into what they call the red zone. It's Ulster, 24,

Cardiff 24. If it stays like this, what a setback it could be for

Ulster with tough games to come. Ulsterster have to disrupt this

line-out, more than anything all season.

I am pretty sure that card full circle for the. Lloyd Williams. And

Ian Davies blows his whistle. The crowd are not happy about one or two

decisions. Ulster are -- have only themselves to blame. They needed to

make this seven in a row to give themselves any sort of a chance of a

top four place, European Rugby guaranteed next year but Ulster

wanted so much more but Cardiff were the hungrier side I felt tonight.

From the Ulster perspective, there was no excuse. There was no game

last week, they knew exactly what they had to do. I would not say they

gave Cardiff too much respect, but it was only that last ten or 15

minutes were we saw a hard direct line running, going across the gain

line, but from a Cardiff perspective, Gareth Anscombe will be

tearing his hair out. That would have given card of the victory.

Perhaps they deserved it. Nice to see Nick Williams back here --

Cardiff. There is a special one for his friend, Herbst. Lovely to see

Nick Williams back at Ravenhill and Robbie Diack gets a special hug. Not

the night that Ulster wanted or needed and not the result they

needed. They managed a draw at home to the Cardiff Blues. 24 all. And

that could be the ideal result for Nick Williams, both his teams, but

Stephen Ferris and Ryan Constable are with us. Some of the fans

looking disappointed but what do Ulster take out of this? Two points?

It is pretty disappointing, the second half, they talked about

coming out and playing with more intensity and I think we saw that,

but a couple of mistakes crept in, we talked beforehand about the

inconsistency in the Ulster performance this season and it came

to the game again tonight, could not close it out. We could not get that

crucial score. Hats off to Cardiff, they worked Ulster Rugby really hard

and I think they will be happy going back home to Cardiff with two

points. As the former centre, Lee-Lo was the star of the show? Lots to

appreciate. What they did really well was the footwork allowed them

to dominate that collision and once you do that, you control the speed

that you get out of that breakdown. Because no one could get a shot on

these guys, it was just perpetuating themselves. They dominated the next

collision and that combination of fast feet and off-loading was what

set the platform for them to play that chaotic style that works so

well. Let us hear from the man of the moment. Point shared on the

night but a lot of it down to your two tries. I can only remember a

little bit but I think the boys did all the hard work and I was lucky

enough to be there to finish it. You seem to be able to break the Ulster

defence. You have got twinkle toes. I think the big man in me did all

the hard work. It is all good. I know you guys won against Munster

and you came close to beating Leinster, how much confidence to

back give you coming here to Belfast tonight? Monster was pretty tough. I

think we just beat them by one point. Even though we lost by one

point. We were disappointed we did not get the win. When I woke up this

morning, we knew we could play some football. It was pretty good. I am

going to invites you to be awarded for man of the match. You called

early on, centre was going to be the big factor, Ulster had so much

strength and it fell short. It was not just Lee-Lo, Halaholo was

outstanding as well. He was causing absolute mayhem. He has the change

of pace, the footwork and across-the-board, they look like

they knew what they wanted to do, this was a predetermined game plan,

to play expansively, not give targets were Ulster could get into

the game and Ulster looked as though they were chasing shadows. It was an

exceptional performance by the Cardiff Blues, the conditions were

favourable, they played a brand that suited their style of rugby.

Ulster in the table, still mathematically possible to go

through but it will be a big ask. It will be very tough, going away from

home and then we have Leinster who are the most inform team coming to

the Kingspan Stadium. Scholars play Treviso tomorrow, the way Italian

teams are faring up, you would expect that Scarlett Scarlets to win

that one. It is a disappointing night, I would like to get Ryan's

take on it. You're constantly on your toes,. Are you suggesting he

has experience of that? A few times. It can be difficult when you're in

that position. That is where you need the trust on the in. If you get

stepped on the inside, you need the likes of Johnny Bell who can fill in

those spaces and it is about staying connected. Ulster were always

shooting to get back to that onside position and Cardiff are constantly

coming forward. Very difficult to get your defensive alignment off

that if you are looking for ways to get back in position. It was the

temple that Cardiff played out, they controlled a brilliantly in the

first phase of the second half. They were getting the rewards. That is

what made it difficult. If they got the threats, those second runners,

they played particularly well. Ulster were down and they battled

back into it. It was good play and Les Kiss has a lot of trust in his

players, taking off Rory Best and bringing on Rob Herring and Robbie

Diack. He nearly set up a try. Andrew Trimble worked his socks off.

I think he was on the right wing and then he was on the left wing and

then he was really working hard. We just came up short and that is every

time, we have been talking about Ulster Rugby, we come up a little

bit short and it happened again tonight. It is in our own hands, we

have massive games coming up and we will have to do some serious damage.

The real magic of the second half came from Cardiff. It did. That

intensity was when the substitutes came on. It is Halaholo. There is

covered their running at clever screen, he draws attention. They

have the guys picking the angles, there is another one from Lee-Lo.

They are difficult to defend. There are players in motion all around the

ball and some of them are system errors. On a night like this, with

guys without quality of possession, it is difficult to defend against.

It was great value, even the first half, lot of great stuff. Lots of

running rugby. Lee-Lo said at the start, he woke up this morning and

he saw the sun shining and said now we can go and play football. They

just wanted to play rugby and we saw this from the first whistle. I

thought they would have kept it in play but they were happy to go home

with the two points. What were the high points? The driving line-out

functioned. The intensity that came from the substitutes off the bench,

that is the standards they have to reach. We saw that desperation, but

it was too little too late and if you do not have possession against a

team that is playing that well, it makes it very difficult. If there

was a low, we saw Sam Warburton limp off and Jared Payne, that will be a

blow. You could see him limping off, I think he took on zero before

half-time stop the medical team must thought he was OK to continue.

Within the restart, he was off the pitch. He must have his ankle. He is

vital for this Ulster tame. That is what he is capable of and he will be

missed if he is not available for the next couple of weeks but fingers

crossed, going forward for the Lions tour that he sticks his hand up for

selection. He is such an organiser, and Rory Best, another big night and

a big Ulster performance. He is a natural leader. He never let you

down. He inspired by his actions. He has been around a long time. Ulster

cannot look for one individual to carry them. Choke tackle, there is

no one better in the game. Ulster across-the-board have to have more

people standing up and taking a leadership role within a team. And

things are not going your way, that is when you need the leaders. He is

an inspirational player for Ulster and he will be extremely

disappointed. He has got bigger things to come. He will be feeling

now more than anyone in the changing room. Ulster have not managed to get

the win they still needed. We saw him give the players a rollicking

stop what is he going to do to try to influence the players around

them? Rory has really high standards and for him tonight, that is not

good enough. That is not up with a need to be and I think he will be

telling the players that. That is a good card of team, but they expect

to win that game. Everyone needs to know that, but I'd don't think every

person in that dressing room has the same mentality. He will be

addressing that in the changing room. The coaching staff will be

doing the same thing but it is a huge few weeks. Ulster will play the

best three teams in the competition, what do they do? If they get into

that top four, they have got to go away for two of those three games.

The only get the comfort of the home stadium against Leinster who may

have secure top spot at that point and may be looking to secure some

top players. Ulster need to work out why the could not get enough

possession to impact on this game and how they are larded Cardiff

Blues to dictate the pace. They will come back, get stuck in, whilst

still a mathematical opportunity, they will be putting everything they

can enter training to rectify the mistakes. Positive? Yes, we have to

be. You can see it all the way with BBC Sport NI. We are on air next

Saturday from 2:45pm and then after that, it is the Ospreys and

Leinster. From all of us here, it is goodbye.

You are the cream of the French aristocracy.