Pienaar vs Youngs

Both scrumhalves will be looking to regain their best form after a tough 2014 when the two sides meet at Ravenhill on Saturday, writes BRENTON CHELIN.

Pienaar has been a pillar of strength for Ulster in European competition, and has been named on the shortlist for European Player of the Year in each of the last three seasons. Not this year.

His form wavered with the Boks during the Rugby Championship, before injury forced him out of the early part of the season. His return has been low-key, with Ulster struggling for form in Europe, where they have won just once this season.

Youngs, meanwhile, has shown glimpses of the form that had people believing England had finally found a long-term successor to Matt Dawson. He is the leading creator of tries in this season's competition. Confidence and with it, instinct, has returned.

Leicester will be out to claim a bonus-point victory on Saturday – a tough ask at a ground like Ravenhill. Youngs will need to be assured in his decision-making, slick in his service and confident in his execution. If he finds the right combination, Leicester will come close.

Pienaar, at 30 years of age, has experience on his side. However, behind an injury-ravaged pack that is expected to struggle, he could be in for a long afternoon.

Photos: Bryn Lennon/Dan Mullan/Getty Images