Wilson: Score doesn't reflect our effort

Ulster number eight Roger Wilson admits they struggled to get to grips with a rampant Toulon side in record 60-22 European defeat.

Ulster number eight Roger Wilson admits they struggled to get to grips with a rampant Toulon side in record 60-22 European defeat.

They conceded eight tries against the reigning European champions, including a hat-trick for Steffon Armitage as Toulon secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup.

Ulster did manage four tries of their own through Paddy Jackson, Jared Payne and two for Mike McComish but Wilson conceded that their defence was not up to scratch in the Pool 3 encounter.

Wilson said: “When you look at the scoreboard it’s very disappointing but I don’t think that reflects the effort we put in for 80 minutes.

“Not many teams will go to Toulon and score four tries but the big negative for us was the defence.

“We tried to get in their faces as much as possible and it worked for a while, but when they get up some momentum and get their off-load game working they are very difficult to stop.

“We spoke before the game about the fact that there was nothing to play for but we still wanted to go out and put our bodies on the line.

“The injuries in the first half were a big blow for us and we don’t seem to have had much luck with that recently.

“We will look ahead to Leicester Tigers next week and we want to finish off the pool on a positive note.”

Toulon head coach Bernard Laporte was not impressed with his side’s display despite scoring 60 points.

They became the first side to qualify for the knockout stages and travel to the Scarlets next week looking to secure a home quarter-final.

Laporte said: “Our mission was to secure the qualification and get a bonus point. We can now celebrate and prepare for our next game.

“There was some good defensive aggressiveness in our last couple of games, I did not see it today, especially from the 15th to the 35th minute.

“We did not play well during those 20 minutes. This is not good enough and we need to do more.

“Ulster gave us more space later in the game and we were able to score tries.

“Our backline players got sick with the flu on Thursday and I’m wondering if our lack in rhythm comes from this.

“I am not impressed by those 60 points, although we are happy because we feel like the crowd enjoyed the game.”

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