Ulstermen show their metal

ULSTER backs coach Dwayne Peel hailed the team’s ‘guts and character’ as they battled to a scrappy but significant win in Treviso yesterday.

Italy’s second-string selection for last night’s Test against Ireland meant Treviso still had access to a lot of international experience while Ulster were without Grand Slam heroes like Rory Best, Jacob Stockdale and Iain Henderson with plenty of youth on show.

However, it was two Ireland internationals – hooker Rob Herring and flanker Sean Reidy – who got the tries that saw Dan McFarland’s men home.

‘It was a gutsy performance. We know in the context of the season it’s a big game for us and we spoke in the week about this being one of the biggest games of the season for us,’ said Peel.

‘We soaked up a lot of pressure and we went 7-3 down at half time. We probably didn’t keep hold of the ball well enough in the first half but I thought our guts and character were huge and we’re delighted with the win to be honest with you.’

Ulster’s next Pro14 outing is away to Scarlets on November 23.