Stockdale rested as Ulster captain Henderson returns for Cardiff trip

United Rugby Championship: Cardiff v Ulster

Venue: The Arms Park, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 26 October Kick off: 19:35 BST

Coverage: Highlights on the BBC Sport website and app.

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt believes his side can beat anyone at home before facing Ulster at the Arms Park on Saturday.

Sherratt could have been forgiven for watching his words having been fined for his outburst at the referee after their last meeting with the Irish province in April.

Ireland lock Iain Henderson returns from concussion to captain fifth-place Ulster while Cardiff have lost their last three.

But Sherratt remains upbeat.

"We played them last season in an exciting, all-action game, which we probably should have won and we know what is coming from them," he said.

"They have had a good start to the season, but we have shown previously that we can beat any team on our day at the Arms Park."

Cardiff have not beaten an Irish province since victory over Munster at the Arms Park in September 2022.

Ben Thomas, hailed as the best back in Wales this week by Wales head coach Warren Gatland, is recalled to captain Cardiff.

Fellow centre Ray Lee-Lo along with forwards Evan Lloyd, Keiron Assiratti, Ben Donnell and Dan Thomas all return as Sherratt rotates his squad.

Ulster have won three of their five URC games this season, but have just two away wins in the whole of 2024.

They have lost just once to Welsh opposition since 2021 and have won their last six against Cardiff.

Henderson lines up alongside Kieran Treadwell in a new-look second-row amid six changes from the win at Ospreys.

Ethan McIlroy starts at full-back so Mike Lowry shifts to the wing in place of two-try wing Jacob Stockdale, who is rested.

Centre Jude Postlethwaite, scrum-half Nathan Doak and flanker Nick Timoney also return.

Head coach Richie Murphy said: "Cardiff are coming off the back of a three-game losing streak and are in front of their fans so it will be a very difficult game and fully committed."

Cardiff: Cam Winnett; Mason Grady, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas, Iwan Stephens; Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies; Ed Byrne, Evan Lloyd, Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, Ben Donnell, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence.

Replacements: Daf Hughes, Corey Domachowski, Rhys Litterick, Rory Thornon, James Botham, Thomas Young, Johan Mulder, Rory Jennings.

Ulster: Ethan McIlroy; Werner Kok, Jude Postlethwaite, Stuart McCloskey, Mike Lowry; Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak; Eric O’Sullivan, James McCormick, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson (capt), Kieran Treadwell, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, David McCann.

Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Marcus Rea, John Cooney, Ben Carson, Ben Moxham.

Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU)

Assistant referees: Ben Whitehouse & Ben Connor (WRU)

TMO: Colin Brett (SRU)