By the end of Friday at least one team will see its 100 percent record ended as the champions Scarlets travel to Belfast to take on Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium, in a game that kicks off at 7.35pm. What’s at stake? This time last year, it was Ulster and the Scarlets who were doing battle in the closing stages of the season for the final play-off spot, with the Welsh team eventually sneaking in (and leapfrogging compatriots the Ospreys). From there they became the first team to win an away semi-final and claimed the title, while Ulster were left to think what might have been. This year both teams have made fine starts, with the Scarlets a perfect ten points from ten, and Ulster just behind with nine. Team news (Ulster): Les Kiss has made four changes to the side that beat Benetton Rugby with Chris Henry coming straight into the side as captain. Also included are Kyle McCall at loosehead prop, second row Alan O’Connor and centre Luke Marshall. Team news (Scarlets): The Scarlets welcome back skipper Ken Owens for the first time since May after he was named in the starting line-up. He missed the run-in through injury before touring with the Lions, and he will be joined by a couple of fellow tourists, Leigh Halfpenny back in the side and Jonathan Davies named on the bench. Talking points: There will be a sombre atmosphere at the Kingspan Stadium as this game marks the five-year anniversary of the death of Nevin Spence. The promising young centre passed away, along with father Noel and brother Graham, in a farming accident exactly five years ago. Key battle: There are plenty of interesting head-to-heads, but we’ll focus on the battle on the wing where in-form Johnny McNicholl goes up against Jacob Stockdale. The Ulsterman was one of the top try-scorers in last year’s competition, while McNicholl has made a storming start to this campaign. The winner of that battle could play a large part in the final outcome. Key stat: The Scarlets have won nine games in a row in the Guinness PRO14 and can equal their best-ever run in the competition with victory in Belfast. Did you know? When the two sides met last season the home team was triumphant on both occasions, whilst Scarlets’ only victory in Belfast since September 2008 was 21-20 in February 2016. Ulster: L Ludik; A Trimble, L Marshall, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; C Lealiifano, J Cooney; K McCall, R Herring, W Herbst; K Treadwell, A O’Connor; C Henry, S Reidy, J Deysel. Replacements: J Andrew, A Warwick, R Ah You, R Diack, M Rea, P Marshall, P Nelson, T Bowe. Scarlets: L Halfpenny; J McNicholl, H Parkes, S Williams, S Evans; R Patchell, G Davies; R Evans, K Owens, S Lee, J Ball, T Beirne, A Shingler, W Boyde, J Barclay Replacements: R Elias, W Jones, W Kruger, D Bulbring, J Macleod, J Evans, R Jones, J Davies TV: BBC Sport NI/BBC Sport Wales/TG4 (KO 7.35pm) Match officials – Referee: Quinton Immelman (SARU). Assistant Referee 1: Craig Evans (WRU). AR2: Rhys Thomas (WRU). TMO: Rhys Thomas (WRU) Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie
