We need to start games better - Ulster back Lowry

Michael Lowry started at full-back in last weekend's hard-earned win over the Stormers

Investec Champions Cup last-16 - Bordeaux Begles v Ulster

Date: Sunday 6 April Venue: Stade Chaban-Delmas Kick-off: 12:30 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website from 12:03, plus live text commentary and report on the BBC Sport website

Ulster back Michael Lowry says the Irish province must start games better following a run of three games which has seen them recover from deficits to secure narrow wins against Scarlets, Dragons and Stormers in the United Rugby Championship.

In their most recent outing, Richie Murphy's side found themselves 17-0 down to their South African opponents just eight minutes into their meeting in Belfast, before mounting a comeback to prevail 38-34.

On Sunday, Ulster face the daunting task of taking on French side Bordeaux Begles in the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup and Lowry knows they will not have the luxury of giving their hosts a head start if they are to have any hope of progressing.

"We haven't started well in the last three games but we came back into them, which gives us confidence and belief that we are doing a lot of things really well, just not starting well. We have to address it and review it and think of ways we can improve it.

"Last time out we were 17 points down, and it can happen so quickly. It's just about winning the next moment and gaining control again because if you're not careful against the likes of the Stormers or Bordeaux if they get another opportunity they're away again.

"We have to go there and start well. If you don't it can spiral. Those French teams have big powerful packs and quick backs."

Lowry believes Ulster can take confidence from how they have battled back to take victory in their past three matches.

"It's massive to build momentum. Winning is so important for going into Europe, just self belief.

"We're going the right way but we're very aware of where we're at at the minute, we're not the finished article. We've got more confidence from the win over Stormers and our mindset has to be right for the start of the game."

Bordeaux go into the last 16 of the competition as top seeds after winning all four of their Pool One fixtures with bonus points.

Ulster, in contrast, scraped into the knockout stages with a 52-24 win over Exeter after losing their previous three matches, including a 40-19 reverse at the hands of Bordeaux in December.

"It's exciting to go over there, into their back yard and have a real crack at them. There's no better way to challenge yourself than against some of the best threes in the world," enthused Lowry.

"You want to be playing against the best players in the world and at the moment they are right up there.

"We played them here [in Belfast] and we were in the game for 60 plus minutes, then they get a couple of quick scores but we've a lot of belief going over there with how we are training at the moment."