The dreadful weather conditions, especially the gale-force wind, posed its very real problems, but how Ulster dealt with those hurdles clearly lifted the spirits in the dressing room.
A penalty try, then a superbly-constructed and executed touchdown from Rory Scholes, with Jackson converting both in the first half, proved enough to see Ulster over the line in a compelling encounter..
“With the conditions it was not how we had planned to play during the week, and we didn’t get through many of our patterns but it is good to show that we can adapt to those conditions,” said Jackson.
“I think in the first half Edinburgh played very well into the wind, and at half-time we spoke about it being a tough wind but it was still playable, and it was it was a struggle to kick.
“It was good to get the win, but it was a struggle out there,” he said, admitting that he wondered if the 14-point interval lead was enough in such conditions.
“I think we would have been happier going in with one more try in the first half, it was just a two-score game and we knew how tough it was going to be to score in the second half - and we didn’t, although there was a disallowed try.”
The diminutive No.10 heaped praise on his forwards for the immense effort up front against a much-vaunted Edinburgh pack. Playing in the right areas of the pitch and securing good possession allowed his half-back pairing with Ruan Pienaar to control affairs.
“From myself and Piney’s point of view we were very relieved. We knew it was going to be a struggle, and the way the boys up front carried the ball and won position made me very proud of them. Our pack made life so much easier for me.”
The victory means Ulster have a 100% record in the PRO12 at Kingspan Stadium this season winning all four games at home, and that success at home is what Jackson hopes can be the platform for a real tilt at the Pro 12 title.
“It’s been a good record and it’s been off the back of last season as well so we want to keep that going. On nights like Friday that is where the character comes through and that is a good positive for us.”
While Jackson and his backline would hope for much better conditions against Toulouse in Friday’s Champions Cup clash at the Kingspan he’s confident that Ulster’s ability to cope with setbacks, and to use the depth of talent in the squad, can create another special European night under the lights.
Tickets are still available for Friday's game (kick off 7.45pm). Click here to purchase.
A penalty try, then a superbly-constructed and executed touchdown from Rory Scholes, with Jackson converting both in the first half, proved enough to see Ulster over the line in a compelling encounter..
“With the conditions it was not how we had planned to play during the week, and we didn’t get through many of our patterns but it is good to show that we can adapt to those conditions,” said Jackson.
“I think in the first half Edinburgh played very well into the wind, and at half-time we spoke about it being a tough wind but it was still playable, and it was it was a struggle to kick.
“It was good to get the win, but it was a struggle out there,” he said, admitting that he wondered if the 14-point interval lead was enough in such conditions.
“I think we would have been happier going in with one more try in the first half, it was just a two-score game and we knew how tough it was going to be to score in the second half - and we didn’t, although there was a disallowed try.”
The diminutive No.10 heaped praise on his forwards for the immense effort up front against a much-vaunted Edinburgh pack. Playing in the right areas of the pitch and securing good possession allowed his half-back pairing with Ruan Pienaar to control affairs.
“From myself and Piney’s point of view we were very relieved. We knew it was going to be a struggle, and the way the boys up front carried the ball and won position made me very proud of them. Our pack made life so much easier for me.”
The victory means Ulster have a 100% record in the PRO12 at Kingspan Stadium this season winning all four games at home, and that success at home is what Jackson hopes can be the platform for a real tilt at the Pro 12 title.
“It’s been a good record and it’s been off the back of last season as well so we want to keep that going. On nights like Friday that is where the character comes through and that is a good positive for us.”
While Jackson and his backline would hope for much better conditions against Toulouse in Friday’s Champions Cup clash at the Kingspan he’s confident that Ulster’s ability to cope with setbacks, and to use the depth of talent in the squad, can create another special European night under the lights.
Tickets are still available for Friday's game (kick off 7.45pm). Click here to purchase.