It was a case of 'job done' for Ulster in Parma on Sunday, with the 17-40 success marking a third consecutive bonus point win in the Guinness PRO12.
However, Director of Rugby, Les Kiss admitted that there was much room for improvement despite the six-try victory at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
“It was certainly mission accomplished as we got the five points that we wanted,” said Kiss.
“To get six tries is a credit to the boys, but there were some frustrating periods as well. We know there are some things to work on but we'll take that win.”
“There were some real down patches in the match. The boys talked about it afterwards and we've just got to keep our eye on the ball throughout the 80 minutes.
“At half-time we were disappointed with ourselves but we responded in the second half and finished the game off strongly.”
POSITIVES
In addition to the result, Kiss was able to draw plenty of other positives from the game, with Jared Payne returning from long-term injury, Jacob Stockdale continuing to impress, and Hughes Insurance Academy player David Busby scoring a try on his debut.
“Jacob played fullback and he played big parts in two tries and scored one himself,” Kiss noted.
“Young Busby had a few injuries a couple of years ago so full credit to him because he's certainly earned a first start, and to get a try was fantastic. Jared slotting back in was also a big plus for us.”
With little time to reflect on the win, Ulster are back in action on Friday evening, again versus Italian opposition, when Treviso visit Kingspan Stadium.
“Some selections last week had been planned for the five-day turnaround and with the travel back as well, so we'll see what happens this week,” he said.
“The injury front looks okay at this stage. We have a few cuts and bruises and Rob Herring has a slight knee issue - we'll see how it goes. Stuart McCloskey, Rodney (Ah You) and Ross Kane are all still not available.”
SELECTION BOOST
But there is good news for Kiss, who is expecting to welcome back three key players in the form of Andrew Trimble, Craig Gilroy and Marcell Coetzee, for Friday’s Guinness PRO12 clash.
“Marcell should be fine. He was ill and we decided to rest him (against Zebre). At this stage we’re likely to have Trimby and Gilly available too.
“Louis (Ludik) - we’ll wait to see how he trains this week. Franco (van der Merwe) is fine too, he was rested at the weekend.”
Tickets for Friday's game versus Treviso (Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm) are still available through ulsterrugby.com/buytickets.
However, Director of Rugby, Les Kiss admitted that there was much room for improvement despite the six-try victory at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
“It was certainly mission accomplished as we got the five points that we wanted,” said Kiss.
“To get six tries is a credit to the boys, but there were some frustrating periods as well. We know there are some things to work on but we'll take that win.”
“There were some real down patches in the match. The boys talked about it afterwards and we've just got to keep our eye on the ball throughout the 80 minutes.
“At half-time we were disappointed with ourselves but we responded in the second half and finished the game off strongly.”
POSITIVES
In addition to the result, Kiss was able to draw plenty of other positives from the game, with Jared Payne returning from long-term injury, Jacob Stockdale continuing to impress, and Hughes Insurance Academy player David Busby scoring a try on his debut.
“Jacob played fullback and he played big parts in two tries and scored one himself,” Kiss noted.
“Young Busby had a few injuries a couple of years ago so full credit to him because he's certainly earned a first start, and to get a try was fantastic. Jared slotting back in was also a big plus for us.”
With little time to reflect on the win, Ulster are back in action on Friday evening, again versus Italian opposition, when Treviso visit Kingspan Stadium.
“Some selections last week had been planned for the five-day turnaround and with the travel back as well, so we'll see what happens this week,” he said.
“The injury front looks okay at this stage. We have a few cuts and bruises and Rob Herring has a slight knee issue - we'll see how it goes. Stuart McCloskey, Rodney (Ah You) and Ross Kane are all still not available.”
SELECTION BOOST
But there is good news for Kiss, who is expecting to welcome back three key players in the form of Andrew Trimble, Craig Gilroy and Marcell Coetzee, for Friday’s Guinness PRO12 clash.
“Marcell should be fine. He was ill and we decided to rest him (against Zebre). At this stage we’re likely to have Trimby and Gilly available too.
“Louis (Ludik) - we’ll wait to see how he trains this week. Franco (van der Merwe) is fine too, he was rested at the weekend.”
Tickets for Friday's game versus Treviso (Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm) are still available through ulsterrugby.com/buytickets.