James’ preparation for the clash were rocked by the revelation that he had gone AWOL from Warren Gatland’s training camp in the build up to their final RBS 6 Nations game with Italy.

According to reports James left the camp after being overlooked for the Azzurri clash in favour of 18-year-old winger Tom Prydie.

But James – who has declined to comment on the issue – shrugged off the media storm to complete a full 80 minutes as the Blues kept their Heineken Cup qualification and Magners League play-off hopes alive with victory in Cardiff.

Ben Blair was the Blues hero – kicking four penalties and the conversion for the only try of the game, scored by Maama Molitika.

Niall O’Connor replied with three penalties for Ulster but it was not enough as the Irish province’s winless run in the Welsh capital was extended to five years.