Ulster’s Tom O’Toole emphasizes the players’ responsibility in maintaining the team’s standards at the province, particularly after their recent defeat by the Stormers on Saturday, marking their second loss during their South African trip under interim head coach Richie Murphy’s tenure.
Despite the disappointing outcome, O’Toole acknowledges the team’s improved performance in Cape Town compared to their previous defeat by the Sharks. The match saw a stronger showing from Ulster, although they ultimately fell short, conceding a late try to Evan Roos which sealed the Stormers’ victory by a narrow margin of 13-7. Despite this setback, Ulster managed to secure a losing bonus point, yet they rue missed opportunities, especially considering their promising first-half display.
Expressing pride in the team’s efforts, particularly in the initial stages of the game, O’Toole highlights the ongoing need for improvement and progress. He emphasizes the importance of building upon these performances without regressing, as outlined by the coaching staff’s standards and expectations. O’Toole stresses the collective responsibility of the player group in upholding these standards and motivating each other to strive for continuous improvement.
Ulster’s recent results have dropped them to eighth place in the URC table, jeopardizing their position in the league’s playoff spots. O’Toole underscores the significance of winning, especially in competitive fixtures like those in South Africa, highlighting the necessity for success in such challenging environments.
The defeat coincided with a significant personal milestone for O’Toole, who celebrated his 100th appearance for the side. Reflecting on this achievement, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity and pride in leading the team. However, his focus remains on the future, with a three-year contract extension recently secured and ambitions to add many more appearances to his tally.
In conclusion, O’Toole’s remarks underscore the team’s commitment to improvement and success, despite recent setbacks. While acknowledging the disappointment of defeat, he remains optimistic about the team’s potential and determined to contribute to their future achievements.
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