Gilroy: Solid Ulster looking to kick on

Neil Doak's men head into the New Year on an upwards curve after putting a pre-Christmas GUINNESS PRO12 defeat to Ospreys firmly behind them.

And while the fireworks weren't on display for the full 80 minutes against Connacht, Gilroy's sleight of hand in the first half proved the crucial moment.

Ulster are hardly lacking firepower with the likes of Gilroy, Tommy Bowe and Jared Payne buzzing about.

But Gilroy insists he and his fellow backs are shoring up on their defensive duties just in time for Leinster on Saturday.

"There were a few standard spins (for the try), it was a nice play and the forwards got it going and I got the inside ball and I was glad to get over," Gilroy told the Belfast Telegraph.

"Conditions weren't great but I thought we did well and I don't think the scoreline was a fair assessment of the game.

"I thought there were times we looked really dominant. From a back's point of view and in the backfield where I thought we hadn't done so well in the last couple of games I thought we covered well, it was a good win.

"It was good to get the victory and it should give us a bit of a confidence boost for going down to Dublin next week.

"The Six Nations is just round the corner and it's a good chance to put your hand up for selection but we're with Ulster now and that's where we need to get the work done."

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