Ulster coach Matt Williams has named a 24-man squad to take on the EDF Energy Cup champions Cardiff, as they were crowned at Twickenham last Saturday with an impressive 50-12 defeat Gloucester.

Williams has made two changes to the squad he named to face Glasgow Warriors last time out at Firhill, where the province claimed a tense one-point victory.

Ireland 'A'-capped lock Ed O'Donoghue returns to the squad from injury, bolstering the Ulster line out, while Ulster Development player Daniel Roache has dropped out of the panel.

Adding to the excitement, the RBS 6 Nations and Triple Crown trophies, won so memorably by Ireland last month, will be on view at Ravenhill on Friday.

ULSTER Squad (v Cardiff Blues): Backs (11) - Darren Cave, Simon Danielli, Ian Humphreys, Paul Marshall, Timoci Nagusa, Niall O'Connor, Clinton Schifcofske, Andrew Trimble, Paddy Wallace, Ian Whitten, Isaac Boss.

Forwards (13) - Rory Best, BJ Botha, Nigel Brady, Ryan Caldwell, Tom Court, Robbie Diack, Ed O'Donoghue, Carlo Del Fava, Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry, Matt McCullough, David Pollock, Bryan Young.