Ulster coach Williams applauds defensive efforts

Williams watched his side defeat the Welsh region 26-16 and paid tribute to the defensive effort put in by his players.

'We've come a long way in recent weeks,' he enthused. 'I am very happy with our defence and the spirit of our attack.

'It was a big night for this young side against a team with some world class players.'

Nigel Davies was also willing to endorse the effort put in by Ulster. 'They have had a couple of results and you could see the confidence return, we got what we deserved,' he said.

'A lot of our guys are huffing and puffing in the dressing room but you need to front up on the field and that is what we need to do now.'

The Scarlets will at least get a swift opportunity to atone for this defeat as they welcome the Ulstermen to Parc Y Scarlets for the return fixture next weekend.