Henry returns from mini-stroke as Ulster see off Blues

chrishenry - CROPPED

Chris Henry made his comeback from heart surgery as a second-half substitute in Ulster's 36-17 Pro12 victory over Cardiff Blues on Friday.

Henry had an operation in November to correct a defect in his heart wall that caused him to suffer a Transient Ischaemic Attack - known as a mini-stroke - before Ireland's 29-15 victory over South Africa on November 8.

The flanker was not expected to make his return until mid-April, but was named among the replacements at Ravenhill for Ulster's bonus-point victory, coming on to rapturous applause midway through the second half.

Ulster dominated the first half, with Craig Gilroy and Louis Ludik both going over as the hosts went in with an 18-0 lead at the break.

The Blues fought back with tries from Tom Isaacs and Alex Cuthbert, but Ludik's second and a Paul Marshall touchdown earned Ulster maximum points.

However, that was not enough to see them climb to the summit, as Glasgow Warriors' 34-34 draw at Leinster preserved their status as league leaders.

Despite racing into a 27-7 lead at half-time, Glasgow were served a taste of their own medicine after the interval, as Leinster won the second period by the same scoreline.

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