Ulster's new Head Coach Dan McFarland has expressed his delight after an opening day 15-13 win versus Scarlets, but warned against complacency ahead of Friday's home clash with Edinburgh.
Asked if he had enjoyed the ‘perfect start’, he responded:
“No, not the perfect start. The win, yeah absolutely, we'll always enjoy a win. But by no means a perfect start. In actual fact, if it had been a perfect start, then I think I'd be getting real worried because they wouldn't need me anymore! The excitement for me comes in getting better day on day and there's certainly plenty of that to be done.”
Since his arrival, McFarland has demanded a competitive edge from his players, something which he says he has seen already.
“I was clear about what I wanted before the game. I wanted us to show that we fight for every inch, as individual players and as a whole team, and I think I got that for a lot of the game. Some of the individuals out there really showed that mentality, and no more so than by the fact we had to squeeze it over in the last few minutes.”
The former Scotland Assistant Coach admitted there was one key ‘work-on’ ahead of taking on Edinburgh.
“I didn't think we looked so good when it got to the breakdown. We want to play a game where we exploit the talents we have, so the breakdown has to be a lot better. First half we didn't really lose much ball, but it was slow and pedestrian; second half we lost a lot of ball, so that has to improve.
“As a coaching team, and me in particular, I think that's something we have to emphasise more and maybe train a bit more. It's certainly something we'll be looking at going forward.”
McFarland was pleased with how his young players performed in a pressurised environment, and had particular praise for Ross Kane, Eric O’Sullivan and Angus Kernohan.
“Guys at that age and at that level of development, what you're looking for is that fearlessness to go out on the park and they're able to do their best. There's always going to be mistakes, but what you're looking for is that ability to play at the edge of their talents and not be afraid.”
In addition to the debuts earned by O’Sullivan and Kernohan, three new signings - Henry Speight, Will Addison and Billy Burns - also made their competitive bows for the Province.
“I really thought Henry was excellent,” said McFarland. “He's been great for the squad, he's a really good personality and gives everything he's got. His ability to change pace and run hard at defences will stress people. It's our job as coaches, and the players around him, to give him the opportunities to be able to do that. Will was obviously excellent before he went off, he did some really good stuff. Billy showed some real sparks in there, a couple of nice kicks and played flat to the line on a couple of occasions. Billy's a player with plenty of energy, which is why we liked him and why we're excited for him being here.”
Asked if he had enjoyed the ‘perfect start’, he responded:
“No, not the perfect start. The win, yeah absolutely, we'll always enjoy a win. But by no means a perfect start. In actual fact, if it had been a perfect start, then I think I'd be getting real worried because they wouldn't need me anymore! The excitement for me comes in getting better day on day and there's certainly plenty of that to be done.”
Since his arrival, McFarland has demanded a competitive edge from his players, something which he says he has seen already.
“I was clear about what I wanted before the game. I wanted us to show that we fight for every inch, as individual players and as a whole team, and I think I got that for a lot of the game. Some of the individuals out there really showed that mentality, and no more so than by the fact we had to squeeze it over in the last few minutes.”
The former Scotland Assistant Coach admitted there was one key ‘work-on’ ahead of taking on Edinburgh.
“I didn't think we looked so good when it got to the breakdown. We want to play a game where we exploit the talents we have, so the breakdown has to be a lot better. First half we didn't really lose much ball, but it was slow and pedestrian; second half we lost a lot of ball, so that has to improve.
“As a coaching team, and me in particular, I think that's something we have to emphasise more and maybe train a bit more. It's certainly something we'll be looking at going forward.”
McFarland was pleased with how his young players performed in a pressurised environment, and had particular praise for Ross Kane, Eric O’Sullivan and Angus Kernohan.
“Guys at that age and at that level of development, what you're looking for is that fearlessness to go out on the park and they're able to do their best. There's always going to be mistakes, but what you're looking for is that ability to play at the edge of their talents and not be afraid.”
In addition to the debuts earned by O’Sullivan and Kernohan, three new signings - Henry Speight, Will Addison and Billy Burns - also made their competitive bows for the Province.
“I really thought Henry was excellent,” said McFarland. “He's been great for the squad, he's a really good personality and gives everything he's got. His ability to change pace and run hard at defences will stress people. It's our job as coaches, and the players around him, to give him the opportunities to be able to do that. Will was obviously excellent before he went off, he did some really good stuff. Billy showed some real sparks in there, a couple of nice kicks and played flat to the line on a couple of occasions. Billy's a player with plenty of energy, which is why we liked him and why we're excited for him being here.”