Ulster 24-17 Lions: Dan McFarland praises Ulster's character in home win

Ulster boss Dan McFarland praised the resilience shown by his side in their 24-17 victory against the Lions in the United Rugby Championship on Friday.

After a disappointing first half, the home side rallied in the second to seal their fourth win in five URC games.

While frustrated with the overall performance, McFarland was pleased they could secure a hard-fought win.

"When we reflect back on it, we will be pretty disappointed with our accuracy," he told BBC Sport NI.

"It was really difficult conditions, very cold, and obviously wet. I think we demonstrated that when we are asked to defend we can defend pretty well, and when we had an opportunity to attack we could attack pretty well.

"I think the stuff in between, not getting out of our half properly and some of the accuracy that is involved in that, we will reflect back and be very disappointed with," he admitted.

Ulster, who made nine changes from last week's win against Munster, trailed 7-14 at the break at a rain-soaked Kingspan Stadium after an error strewn first-half display.

Richard Kriel put the South Africans ahead before James Hume responded for the hosts.

Hanru Sirgel crossed to re-establish the Lions' advantage, before Ulster flew out of the traps in the early stages of the second period, with Jacob Stockdale crossing at the corner soon after the restart.

Another try from the returning Rob Herring and a penalty from John Cooney secured back-to-back wins for Ulster.

McFarland reserved particular praise for youngster Scott Wilson on his first start for the province and captain Iain Henderson, who was making his first appearance of the season after featuring in the World Cup for Ireland.

"In situations like that when you are struggling, you do need character and I think we saw that was across the board."

He added: "You see young guys like Scott Wilson, starting, locking down a scrum, charging up the park and then you have the captain Iain Henderson, defending like his life depended on it in the last 10 to 15 minutes of the game.

"I have named two guys there but I could have named a chunk of fellas who were excellent from a character point of view."