It’s time for Nick as Blues look to end losing streak

NICK Williams returns to skipper Cardiff Blues as they bid to bring a halt to a two-match losing streak in the Guinness PRO14.

Defeat at home to Edinburgh was followed by a loss at Glasgow Warriors and they face another difficult away assignment tonight at Ulster (7.35pm).

Blues coach John Mulvihill has made four changes, three in the pack, with No.8 Williams facing his former province, and hooker Liam Belcher and prop Scott Andrews being drafted in.

Jason Harries takes over from Owen Lane, who was summoned by Warren Gatland to join Wales’ Rugby World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Josh Navidi, on the right-wing.

“Results-wise, we’ve been disappointed, but there’s aspects of our play in all three games which have been really encouraging, and we can be positive travelling to Belfast,” declared Mulvihill.

“We know the challenges that await us. Ulster are a proud team, especially in front of their own crowd, and they’ll look to put their physical stamp on the match. We’ve spoke a lot about wanting to make a statement when we’re away from home this season, and this is another exciting opportunity to do that.” Ulster: W Addison; C Gilroy, L Marshall, J Hume, L Ludik; B Burns (c), J Cooney; J McGrath, J Andrew, T O’Toole, A O’Connor, K Treadwell, M Rea, S Reidy, M Coetzee. Subs: A McBurney, E O’Sullivan, R Kane, S Carter, N Timoney, D Shanahan, B Johnston, M Faddes.

Cardiff Blues: M Morgan; J Harries, G Smith, W Halaholo, A Summerhill; J Evans, L Williams; B Thyer, L Belcher, S Andrews, J Turnbull, R Thornton, W Boyde, O Robinson, N Williams (capt). Subs: Kr Dacey, C Domachowski, K Assiratti, S Davies, S Lewis-Hughes, L Jones, J Tovey, H Millard.

Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)