MATA’S RETURN IS A MIGHTY BOOST

EDINBURGH boss Richard Cockerill needs all the help he can get at the moment, and will welcome Bill Mata’s return to action tonight after two months on the sidelines. The Fiji international needed surgery after damaging ankle ligaments in the European Challenge Cup quarter-final loss to Bordeaux on September 18 and hasn’t played since. In the absence of 13 players on international duty, having Mata (pictured) ready to come on at No 8 will be a huge boost. Edinburgh have won just two out of their first six league games and host an Ulster side who remain undefeated in the Pro14 this season.