Ulster return to the Cardiff Arms Park this evening looking to continue their unbeaten start to this season’s PRO12.
The Blues won 21-14 back in February and they are a side, like Ulster, currently on form having won three of their four games to date.
Ulster are the only side with a 100 per cent record, having played three games, with the match against Italian side Zebre postponed due to the tragic death of Ulster player Nevin Spence, his father Noel and brother Graham in an horrific farming accident near Hillsborough.
The Irish Province are keen to maintain that run of form but it is also accepted that some of the players may still be affected by the loss of their team mate, Spence, who was just 22.
Head coach, Mark Anscombe, said: “Everyone seems good, but I cannot answer for individuals.
“You just do not know how it may affect some players.
“From our point of view we have talked about it, had time to reflect and the guys have had a rest.
“They are now comfortable in their environment.
“And I think getting them back into that environment has been good for the players.”
Earlier in the week, Ulster captain, Johann Muller, spoke of how the team were taking strength, comfort and faith from the Spence family in the wake of such a tragedy.
“The message that was coming from them to us was that it was time to move on.
“And we have to get back doing what we enjoy and that is playing rugby,” said Muller, adding: “Nev would have wanted that.”
Last night Anscombe said: “We have not dwelled on it.
“We have said it is time to move on and everyone acknowledges that.
“Yes there will always be a bit of emotion there, but the race is everyone has a job to do.
“Nevin would wanted us to move on, the rest of the boys know that and so we have to go about our work and get back to where we were before this unfortunate situation happened.”
Cardiff will prove formidable opponents in their favoured back yard.
They moved away from the Cardiff City Stadium for the game with Ulster last February, and have not returned since.