Tom O’Toole of Ulster claims that it is up to the players to maintain raising the bar across the province.
The team lost both of its games in South Africa following the appointment of interim head coach Richie Murphy, as they were defeated 13–7 by Stormers on Saturday.
They played a much better game in Cape Town than they did against the Sharks the previous week.
Ireland prop O’Toole stated, “After last week, we wanted a better performance and a better reaction.”
Despite providing both, Ulster was ultimately unsuccessful as Stormers prevailed due to a try by Evan Roos in the 73rd minute.
The visitors ultimately had to settle for their losing bonus point and lamented their wasted chances during an otherwise impressive first half performance.
“I’m really proud of the guys, especially the first-half,” said O’Toole.
“Although there are still many issues to be resolved, this is a good beginning for what the coaches have asked of us going forward.
“Right now, we need to keep improving on these performances and avoid regressing.
“I think it’s good to know that we demonstrated our abilities as a group, but the objective is to keep going forward and not look back.
It is our responsibility as a player group to continue pushing that and continuing to extract that from each other because the coaches have made it clear what they expect of us and what their standards are.
“We know we can put in the performances when we get it right and when we click.”
‘Winning is the main thing’
Ulster now sits eighth in the URC table, the final play-off spot in the league, after winning just one of their two games in South Africa.
It’s disappointing to leave with two losses, O’Toole continued. “The primary objective is to win. That is what our collective needs to focus on.
“We must travel to these locations, including South Africa, and we must prevail.
“The competition is really competitive week on week, there’s no easy games anymore.”
On a day that held personal significance for O’Toole—the prop making his 100th appearance for the team—the loss occurred.
This month, the 25-year-old Irish international signed a three-year contract extension, and he already has big goals to add to his total.
It’s a great honour, he remarked. It’s one of those ones where, at the beginning of the year, you kind of think you might get it, and I was lucky enough to make it.
Leading this group out was a great honour because they are a special group. I’m pleased with the guys’ work and proud of them.
“I’m excited to get started, but it’s great to have this for me. I hope there are a hundred more.”
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