Doak hopes for 'smarter' Ulster

Ulster head coach Neil Doak wants his side to be "smarter and more clinical" in this weekend's Pro12 game against Zebre at Kingspan Stadium.

The Irish province, who are on a three-match losing run, return to action on Friday after a three-week break, and Doak hopes for an improvement on their disappointing performance during the 29-17 defeat to Edinburgh at Murrayfield on 4 November.

"We got off to a good start to the season, but we haven't been as clinical in the last number of games," he told BBC Sport NI.

"But maybe the break has done us some good - we have had a good's week's training, and we know the physicality Zebre will bring.

"We have taken stock over the last few games, and know we have to be smarter and more clinical when we get the right opportunities."

Ulster, who were early Pro 12 pacesetters, currently lie fifth in the table after those three recent defeats, but Doak says a run of good results would soon propel his side back up the league table.

"Scarlets and Connacht lost games early on at start of the year but we know that every game's vital to us now and we have to get four points at least on Friday," he told the Irish News.

Chris Henry (shoulder) and Stuart McCloskey (foot) haven't recovered from their injuries in time to face second-from-bottom Zebre, while Luke Marshall has been called up by Ireland as injury cover.

Our resources are pretty much stretched at the moment, even without another late call for Ireland; it could be later in the week before we know who, if anyone, we'll get back," Doak continued.

"But we're kicking on with regards to the team anyway assuming none of the [Ireland] players are coming back but, if any do, that will be an added bonus. It's a little bit frustrating, particularly from a back line point of view.

"We were training with just eight backs, some not in their usual positions, but it's part and parcel when we're feeding into international system and, on top of that, when you've got injuries."

However, Louis Ludik should feature against the Pro 12 strugglers after recovering from a fractured cheek bone.

"It's massive to have him back - he's been one of our players of the season so far and the flexibility he offers is key to us whether he's playing full-back or centre," Doak said.

"He's been absolute quality and he'll hopefully come back into the mix. It took him a wee while to pick it up at training, but he's been superb for us."

Photo (©Inpho/Jonathan Porter)

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