Wiehahn Herbst believes there is more to come from this Ulster team after racking up a third straight win in the opening rounds of the Guinness PRO14.
Herbst played a key role as Les Kiss’ men defeated last year’s champions, the vastly talented Scarlets, at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night.
The front row of Herbst, Rob Herring and Kyle McCall more than held their own against the all-international Scarlets trio, while the pack in general showed plenty of grunt to set the platform for a 27-20 win.
“It's good for us to go up against good opposition," said the 28-year-old. "That's how you test yourself.
“Of course it's good to get a victory like that. It was a really tight first half and for us to finish the game like that was really pleasing.
“But we're not getting carried away, it's the third game of the season and there are a lot of games to play. We have to work hard and improve week by week.”
Herbst said the basis of their strong performance was established during the off-season, when the forwards worked closely with new coaches Jono Gibbes and Aaron Dundon.
“We had a really good pre-season together and we worked through all the combinations. That's really important, especially for a front row.
“It's brilliant so far with Jono and Aaron. I really enjoy what they're bringing to the club. It's really good to get a fresh insight.
“It's growing each week and hopefully that will continue.”
The next opportunity comes this Friday night against the Dragons (Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm), albeit Ulster will face a team which is also high on confidence, following a superb win versus Connacht at Rodney Parade last weekend.
Having recruited the likes of Gavin Henson and Zane Kirchner during the summer, Herbst is well aware of the threat posed by the Welsh outfit.
"We respect the Dragons, they're always a tough side. We have to do our basics and ensure are skills are up to scratch. There's depth in their squad so we know it's going to be difficult no matter who they send over to play. We focus on ourselves."
Ulster Rugby is at home again on Friday night as another Welsh side, Dragons, visit Kingspan Stadium. Tickets are still available for the game (including some availability in the Grandstand). Visit ulsterrugby.com/buytickets to purchase.
Herbst played a key role as Les Kiss’ men defeated last year’s champions, the vastly talented Scarlets, at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night.
The front row of Herbst, Rob Herring and Kyle McCall more than held their own against the all-international Scarlets trio, while the pack in general showed plenty of grunt to set the platform for a 27-20 win.
“It's good for us to go up against good opposition," said the 28-year-old. "That's how you test yourself.
“Of course it's good to get a victory like that. It was a really tight first half and for us to finish the game like that was really pleasing.
“But we're not getting carried away, it's the third game of the season and there are a lot of games to play. We have to work hard and improve week by week.”
Herbst said the basis of their strong performance was established during the off-season, when the forwards worked closely with new coaches Jono Gibbes and Aaron Dundon.
“We had a really good pre-season together and we worked through all the combinations. That's really important, especially for a front row.
“It's brilliant so far with Jono and Aaron. I really enjoy what they're bringing to the club. It's really good to get a fresh insight.
“It's growing each week and hopefully that will continue.”
The next opportunity comes this Friday night against the Dragons (Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm), albeit Ulster will face a team which is also high on confidence, following a superb win versus Connacht at Rodney Parade last weekend.
Having recruited the likes of Gavin Henson and Zane Kirchner during the summer, Herbst is well aware of the threat posed by the Welsh outfit.
"We respect the Dragons, they're always a tough side. We have to do our basics and ensure are skills are up to scratch. There's depth in their squad so we know it's going to be difficult no matter who they send over to play. We focus on ourselves."
Ulster Rugby is at home again on Friday night as another Welsh side, Dragons, visit Kingspan Stadium. Tickets are still available for the game (including some availability in the Grandstand). Visit ulsterrugby.com/buytickets to purchase.