Rugby preview and news roundup: Ulster coach Mark McCall's decision to promote most of the bench for the last game, the final Heineken European Cup pool match against Cardiff at the Arms Park, was directly attributable to tonight's game. Ulster lost 16-12 in a low-quality game and thereby brought an end to what had been a series of excellent performances since early December.
McCall will be hoping his team can quickly pick up the momentum of winning again but they couldn't be trying to achieve that in arguably a harder environment than the backyard of the Celtic League table toppers. Neath-Swansea Ospreys have won their last four matches in all competitions and announced a very strong team including former Springbok wing Stefan Terblanche, who has recovered from injury.
Ulster have lost on their two previous visits to St Helen's and were beaten by the Ospreys when the sides met earlier in the season at Ravenhill. What may give them heart is the fact their Welsh hosts have lost their last four games against Irish opposition.
The Ospreys coach Lyn Jones admitted: "We were delighted to finish the Heineken Cup with a win and now look forward to carrying the momentum from the wins over the Scarlets and Blues into this match. With only seven Celtic League fixtures remaining, this is a vital game. The next two matches are must-win fixtures for us.
"Ulster are a much improved outfit from the start of the season, and were the only team to beat Stade Francais in their European Cup group. They are a quality side, with world-class players like Andy Ward, Paul Steinmetz and David Humphreys. They have a big physical pack of forwards and are a direct side with ability to play a wide game. It is a big ask but we are not top of the Celtic League by chance."
The Ospreys are without Welsh prop Duncan Jones as he had an operation to insert a pin in his broken hand and will be out for at least six weeks. Ulster too have been hit by injury with Tyrone Howe failing a late fitness test on a groin problem. Andrew Maxwell takes his place.
McCall has selected his strongest team and if Ulster are going to spring a surprise it'll require a gritty performance from their pack and the ability to take pretty much every chance presented.
NEATH/SWANSEA OSPREYS: G Henson; S Terblanche, D Bishop, S Parker, S Williams; M Jones, J Spice; P James, B Williams (capt), A Jones; B Cockbain, J Thomas; A Lloyd, R Jones, S Tandy. Replacements: R Hibbard, A Millward, A Newman, R Pugh, R Rees, D Tiueti, A Durston.
ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Bowe, P Steinmetz, K Maggs, A Maxwell; D Humphreys; K Campbell; S Best, R Best, R Moore; G Longwell, M McCullough; C Feather (capt), R Wilson, N Best. Replacements: P Shields, R McCormack, R Frost, A Ward, R Spee, A Larkin, S Stewart.
Referee: Rob Dickson (Scotland).
Previous meetings - September 2003 (CL) at The Gnoll: The Ospreys 41 Ulster 30; February 2004 (CL) at Ravenhill: Ulster 31 The Ospreys 19; September 2004 (CL) at Ravenhill: Ulster 24 The Ospreys 37.
Leading points scorers: Neath/Swansea Ospreys - Gavin Henson 117. Ulster - David Humphreys 61.
Leading try scorers: Neath/Swansea Ospreys - David Bishop, Jason Spice 4 each. Ulster - Tommy Bowe 4.
Verdict: Neath/Swansea Ospreys.
Ospreys v Ulster
St Helen's
Kick-off: 7.05
