Boss back for Ulster

ISAAC BOSS returns to a 29-man Ulster squad for Saturday’s Magners League return clash with Cardiff Blues at Ravenhill.

Boss was a late withdrawal from the side that faced the Blues last week due to a hamstring strain as the northern province slumped to 19-9 defeat.

Coach Brian McLaughlin also brings in Ballynahinch prop Paddy McAllister and Ballymena winger Tommy Seymour for injured pair Tom Court and Mark McCrea, and promises there will be a much-improved performance from his charges.

He is certain to look to prevent the ill discipline of the team which has proven so costly – Ryan Caldwell and Darren Cave were both off the field last Friday when Cardiff scored the only try of the game.

McLaughlin stressed: “On Saturday discipline will be a key point. Also we need to read the breakdown much quicker and make intelligent decisions as to how we defend or attack the opposition ball.

“If we are going to come away with the win we need, we’ll have to play out of our skins and be mentally prepared for a real fight. We were very disappointed with our performance last Friday so it is great to have this early opportunity to play Cardiff again. We have had plenty to work on from last week and we must make sure that we make our home advantage count.”

Ulster have not won since that 28-10 Heineken Cup victory over Bath in January.

ULSTER (v Cardiff squad): (Forwards): D Fitzpatrick, B Young, BJ Botha, N Brady, A Kyriacou, E O’Donoghue, D Tuohy, R Caldwell, C Henry, P McAllister, S Ferris, R Diack, TJ Anderson, D Pollock, R Best.

(Backs): J Smith, P Marshall, S Danielli, D Cave, I Whitten, T Nagusa, I Humphreys, N O’Connor, I Boss, P Wallace, A Trimble, M Heaney, J Shiels, T Seymour.