Iain Henderson insists Ulster are determined to turn their near misses into success as they target a second United Rugby Championship crown.
The Irish province were edged 17-15 in a dramatic semi-final at Cape Town Stadium by a DHL Stormers side that went on to dispatch the Vodacom Bulls a week later to win the competition.
It took a stoppage-time assault to send Ulster home from South Africa, in the process extending their 18-year wait to lift the trophy during which they have finished runners-up twice.
Veteran Ireland forward Henderson admits the near misses are frustrating even if progress is being made.
“It feels that internally we are getting better season on season but finally crossing the line is the next step,” he said.
“Last season…we could have beaten the Stormers in the regular season…then to come so close again in the semi-final…
“In some ways it’s comforting to know we’re there or thereabouts and that we are able to do it. If I had the exact answer for how to do it, I’d have implemented it 10 years ago!
“We are making improvements and seeing exciting young players come through. It’s about ensuring that for guys of my era, we keep driving things for the young lads.
“We’ll keep giving it a crack. Everyone in the organisation is working together to ensure we can take one extra step next year.”
Despite falling short against the Stormers, Henderson believes the South African sides enriched the United Rugby Championship in their debut campaigns – once they had recovered from a dismal start on the road.
“Early in the season it probably wasn’t going the way they wanted. We had a chat at Ravenhill and we said don’t be fooled by this, this is not a true representation of how they are going to play or how they will end up,” Henderson said.
“Once they found their feet in the league we saw how strong they finished. They were difficult to overcome at home and while that might have seen shocking at the start of the season, we knew the quality of South Africa as a rugby nation.
“They have brought another level of difficulty to the league which is exciting. Playing teams in South Africa gives clubs the opportunity to go on a rugby tour and that’s great for the guys and team bonding.
“A lot of lads don’t get to go on tours any more, so it’s good to be able to get that back.”
Munster were Ulster’s victims in an all-Irish quarter-final and Ireland wing Andrew Conway insists they are excited to get their season under way against Cardiff Rugby.
“Cardiff in my experience are one of the toughest teams we play against. Their back line is dangerous. Their ability in shape always gives us trouble, whether that’s away or at home,” Conway said.
“I can’t imagine our record over there is that good so it’s a tough place to go. It’s a really enjoyable place to go – I like playing against the Welsh teams.”
