100 times better: Bradley Davies hits the magic number against Ulster tomorrow

WALES AND Blues lock Bradley Davies will make his 100th appearance for the region when they face Ulster tomorrow.

Hailing from Llantrisant, the former Pant Comprehensive pupil originally played outside half before moving to the second row and was identified as a 14 year old as a future player when the regions were established.

He progressed well through the system and made his Blues debut on the 27th of January 2006 against Edinburgh.

The Blues go into the match with confidence, with their only defeat in the opening four rounds of this season’s PRO12 a 19-21 loss at home to Edinburgh in round two.

Having been victorious in their last two home fixtures with Irish provinces they now face an Ulster side that return to action following the tragic circumstances of last week’s postponement of the clash with Zebre in Italy.

The Ulstermen have won all three PRO12 encounters so far this season, whilst their only defeat in their last five clashes with Welsh regions came in this equivalent fixture last season.

“Friday I think will be our sternest test against the Heineken Cup finalists”, said Phil Davies. “It’s going to be Ulster’s first game back since the tragic news they received a fortnight ago about Nevin Spence.

“We are paying due respect to the situation Ulster are in and how they feel by matching that emotion and that level of performance. Hopefully we will have a great game as a tribute to a great rugby player and a great Ulsterman.”

Starting XV:
15. Dan Fish, 14. Harry Robinson, 13. Dafydd Hewitt, 12. Jamie Roberts, 11. Tom James, 10. Jason Tovey, 9. Lloyd Williams, 8. Andries Pretorius (c) 7. Sam Warburton, 6. Robin Copeland, 5. James Down, 4. Bradley Davies, 3. Taufa’ao Filise, 2. Andi Kyriacou, 1. Nathan Trevett

Replacements:
16. Rhys Williams 17. Campese Ma’afu 18. Scott Andrews 19. Lou Reed 20. Rory Watts-Jones 21. Rob Lewis 22. Gareth Davies 23. Tom Williams