Brian McLaughlin has praised Ulster's "unbelievable" defence during the second half of their narrow Heineken Cup win over Biarritz.
Second half defending "unbelievable" says coach
Brian McLaughlin has paid tribute to Ulster's "unbelievable" defence during the second half of their narrow Heineken Cup win over Biarritz on Saturday.
With the scores tied on six apiece and just three minutes to go Ulster kept their cup hopes alive with a last-gasp penalty from Ian Humphreys to secure a 9-6 victory over the French club in fierce wind and heavy rain at Ravenhill.
The coach said he was delighted with the result and particularly with how his men stood firm as Biarritz grew in confidence through the last quarter.
"Our defence on our line halfway through the second half was unbelievable," he said.
"We've talked long and hard about the trust we have in each other and the trust in our system.
"Our defence was outstanding and we forced the error. We took their purple patch and we matched it.
Fantastic
"We got the turnover and got the penalty we needed and Ian put it over, which was fantastic.
"I think the way we played into the wind (in the first half) was excellent. It was just unfortunate that a couple of times we spilled in the wrong areas.
"But it was exceptionally tough out there with the wind and rain. It's not easy but we should have taken one of them (the two chances that fell to Adam D'Arcy)."
On his side's chances of qualification, McLaughlin said: "We know it's not entirely in our hands, but the fact is that we got the win today in exceptionally tough conditions.
"We know we have to go to Aironi. We're under no illusions we've got to go there and get the win and if we get a bonus point even better.
"We can't do anything about [Biarritz's last game at home to Bath] and we have to hope that Bath go there and do a good job.
"But we can't worry about that we've got to take care of business ourselves."
