Things are rarely straightforward for Ulster at Rodney Parade - and so it proved once again on Friday night.
The Ulster men had won just 5 of their previous 14 trips away to Dragons, prior to the weekend’s 17-27 triumph, and back row Sean Reidy admits the players and management were relieved to come away with four points and a sixth consecutive Guinness PRO12 win.
“It was very tough. Dragons are a very physical side, especially at home, and they came at us all game and it didn't stop. That's what we expected. That's the way this game goes, but we just have to be happy with the win.”
Craig Gilroy, Jared Payne and John Andrew scored tries for Les Kiss’ men, but a more clinical edge in the opposition half could have yielded a try bonus point.
“We were down in their '22' a few times but that last pass or a knock on, and you lose 50 or 60 metres. Those are the ones you have to finish off if you want that bonus point.
“They snuck back in there and it was 10-10 for a stage. It's stressful mentally when it’s so close at the end but that’s the way the game goes. We’re really happy with the win.”
Reflecting on Ulster’s past six results, which have seen the side climb to fourth in the table (just three points behind Ospreys), Reidy said:
“We're building some real momentum now. There is a buzz in the camp and the coaches are really helping with that. We're now just really looking forward to putting on a big performance against Cardiff at home in two weeks.”
That game could see the return of former favourite Nick Williams to Kingspan Stadium, with the number 8 now on the Cardiff roster. Ulster will expect to welcome back Rory Best after his exploits in this year’s Six Nations Championship, while Louis Ludik and Stuart McCloskey may also be available.
Tickets for Ulster v Cardiff are still available via ulsterrugby.com/buytickets.
The Ulster men had won just 5 of their previous 14 trips away to Dragons, prior to the weekend’s 17-27 triumph, and back row Sean Reidy admits the players and management were relieved to come away with four points and a sixth consecutive Guinness PRO12 win.
“It was very tough. Dragons are a very physical side, especially at home, and they came at us all game and it didn't stop. That's what we expected. That's the way this game goes, but we just have to be happy with the win.”
Craig Gilroy, Jared Payne and John Andrew scored tries for Les Kiss’ men, but a more clinical edge in the opposition half could have yielded a try bonus point.
“We were down in their '22' a few times but that last pass or a knock on, and you lose 50 or 60 metres. Those are the ones you have to finish off if you want that bonus point.
“They snuck back in there and it was 10-10 for a stage. It's stressful mentally when it’s so close at the end but that’s the way the game goes. We’re really happy with the win.”
Reflecting on Ulster’s past six results, which have seen the side climb to fourth in the table (just three points behind Ospreys), Reidy said:
“We're building some real momentum now. There is a buzz in the camp and the coaches are really helping with that. We're now just really looking forward to putting on a big performance against Cardiff at home in two weeks.”
That game could see the return of former favourite Nick Williams to Kingspan Stadium, with the number 8 now on the Cardiff roster. Ulster will expect to welcome back Rory Best after his exploits in this year’s Six Nations Championship, while Louis Ludik and Stuart McCloskey may also be available.
Tickets for Ulster v Cardiff are still available via ulsterrugby.com/buytickets.