Grand Slam heroes return in vain as Ulster fall to another crushing defeat

Ulster fall further into the wreckage.

Ulster plunged further into despair on Saturday afternoon after being hammered 35-17 by Cardiff Blues, condemning them to a third successive PRO14 defeat. The defeat leaves the province's hopes of a Championship play-off spot and automatic qualification to the European Champions Cup hanging by a thread. The hosts ran out comfortable winners at Cardiff Arms Park, with Jarrod Evans leaving Ulster facing an uphill battle with a converted try after just two minutes. Although John Cooney scored a penalty three minutes later, Blaine Sully scored Cardiff's second try of the afternoon on 12 minutes and, although there were sporadic rallies from the visitors, the Welsh side were good value for the win. https://twitter.com/UlsterRugby/status/977593379071713281 The defeat follows on from reverses against Edinburgh and Scarlets, with a tough proposition up against Edinburgh in two weeks at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast to come. Ulster's ill-discipline and error-strewn play will force the province into another difficult period of self-reflection. A season that started with high expectations has capitulated into disaster, including the departure of Les Kiss as Director of Rugby at the end of January. Ireland Grand Slam heroes Iain Henderson and Jacob Stockdale were back in action but failed to stop Cardiff racing clear, the Blues taking a 14-3 lead inside the first 14 minutes. Evans was the star. The 21-year-old scored one try and created for Kristian Dacey and Dillon Lewis. https://twitter.com/PRO14Official/status/977601218913734656 Cardiff Blues: M Morgan; B Scully, R Lee-Lo, W Halaholo, O Lane; J Evans, T Williams; G Jenkins (capt), M Rees, S Andrews, G Earle, S Davies, J Turnbull, E Jenkins, N Williams. Replacements: K Dacey, R Gill, D Lewis, B Murphy, M Cook, L Williams, S Shingler, G Smith Ulster: C Piutau; C Gilroy, L Marshall, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; J McPhillips, J Cooney; A Warwick, R Herring, W Herbst, A O'Connor (Capt), K Treadwell, I Henderson, C Ross, N Timoney. Replacements: J Andrew, C Black, R Kane, M Dalton, M Rea, D Shanahan, P Nelson, L Ludik.