After kicking off the season with three straight wins, Ulster now face a critical few weeks that will determine their RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup campaigns.
But the 31-year-old lock, who joined the Belfast side 18 months ago, says the Ulstermen must respond quickly in tonight's clash against Scarlets at Ravenhill.
He said: "The last couple of days have probably been my toughest since I arrived in Belfast 18 months ago.
"It is so frustrating at this stage for us as players and as a management to be almost doing everything right in training, getting the rest and recovery time right and then when it comes to game day we are missing something and are struggling to hold on to the ball.
"Once again this week so far, training has been outstanding. There is an excitement in the group and no one is dropping their heads and thinking about it. Everyone is focused on the next task and that is the Scarlets.
"We took it on the chin this week after the loss in Glasgow and it has been a tough week. We have done a bit of soul searching and we are looking to make sure everything is right for the up and coming week.
"We just have to start holding onto the ball. If we can get the small things sorted out then we can probably get back to winning ways again - and that is what we plan to do this week."
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