And Jackson - who was on duty with Ireland during the World Cup and has made three league appearances this season - is confident his side have turned the corner on their travels.
"The away defeats have made us fall behind slightly," explains Jackson. "The last few seasons we have been a bit higher up in the league table but it's a long season.
"We have guys coming back into the squad from international duty and a few guys are coming back soon from injury so things are ticking along nicely for us.
"It was pretty tough at the end. At half-time we talked about our mistakes and our ill-discipline, which let them into the game and we almost gave away the win at the end. It was tough defending the line but a massive credit to the boys for holding them out in the last five minutes.
"The conditions were difficult, especially playing into the wind in the first half. It is difficult to play at Rodney Parade at the best of times, I have lost there a few times in the past and it was especially hard as a young side going there.
"The crowd is on your back and the conditions are tough so I made sure the new young guys were aware of that."
Next up for Ulster is the European Champions Cup as they travel to France to take on Oyonnax.
And after failing to get out of their pool last year, Jackson is confident his side are ready for the challenge ahead.
"I am massively excited, Europe always has that added X-factor to it, we are chomping at the bit to get at Oyonnax," he added.
"We didn't do too well in Europe last year so it is a big goal for us to start well."
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