Williams delighted with defence

Editor

New Ulster coach Matt Williams has praised his sides defence having seen them get off to a perfect start under his guidance.

New Ulster coach Matt Williams has praised his sides defence having seen them get off to a perfect start under his guidance.

Ulster romped to a six-try 38-13 victory over the Dragons on Friday, but it was the defence that pleased Williams the most.

Before Friday's game Ulster had won just two games in the Magners League this season, and were rooted to the bottom of the table. However the win sees them move off the bottom and Williams is now looking to build a fortress at Ravenhill.

“We defended a lot better – that's what really delighted me about our game,” the Australian told BBC Sport.

“They didn't get through us and that was more joyful than the tries.

“It's a lovely start and the attitude of the players was great. The support was wonderful and we want to make Ravenhill a fortress again.”

Williams said he is building on the work of his predecessor Mark McCall.

“A lot of the credit must go to Mark as I've inherited a very good squad and a good structure – he's a fine coach,” he added.

“A lot of it was psychological as the guys were in a real rut losing.

“I thought the pace of our game would wear the opposition down and I think we would still have won if they didn't have a player sent off.

“We wanted to play with a lot more precision and the lines of the forwards were very pleasing.

“If it's like that every week I won't be complaining.”

Another coach full of praise for his side was Scarlets' Phil Davies who watched his charges record a convincing 30-7 win over Glasgow on Friday.

The bonus-point win keeps the Scarlets title hopes alive as well as boosting flagging confidence at Stradey Park.

“I think we looked potent with the ball tonight and we looked organised defensively as well,” Davies said.

“We set ourselves a good platform early on from the forwards and played very well.

“I am pleased for the boys and there are a lot of smiling faces which is great.

“A few more of that type of result will go down well but it gives us momentum and we take this into the next couple of weeks when we go to Ulster and we're still in the hunt to win the championship which is crucial.”