ULSTER ARE WELL aware of the task facing them if they want to reach the knock-out stages in Europe for a fifth consecutive year.

However, the weight of history – and the fact that no team has made the quarter finals after opening with two defeats – is not enough to force them to throw in the towel.

Following the home defeat to Toulon last time out, head coach Neil Doak spoke of the 20 points still available, and this week Tommy Bowe has presented a theory that maximum points from four games may not even be necessary.

“We know, not winning the first two matches we’ve made it incredibly difficult for ourselves,” says Bowe.

“But the way results have gone, there are very few teams that have gone out there and got maximum points. Everyone talks about having to make 20 points, but this year I think there’s going to be plenty of teams who are not going to make 20 points and still qualify.”

With just a single point to their name in December, Ulster have a long way to go before worrying about what number will be enough to scrape them through, but a little belief never hurts. Indeed, Bowe cites a lack of confidence in the squad’s ability as a reason they have been unable to put teams away when in dominant positions in recent weeks.

First off, an under-strength Ospreys side were allowed to come back within a kick after trailing 18 – 3 at half time in Belfast. And last weekend an accomplished start and 12-point lead over Munster fizzled out into a 21 – 20 defeat.

“As a team, I suppose we’re looking at having a bit of confidence in ourselves. Looking back at the game; we had Munster under the cosh at times. I suppose small errors set in, we didn’t take opportunities and mistakes cost us as well.

“We know how good we are. As a collective and individuals we need to get it all right and come good for big European games when we need to pull it out.”

He added: “It’s something we’ve talked about as a team: we probably haven’t had a full 80-minute performance this season yet. But I think the next two weekends is when we’ll have to pull it out.

“Scarlets is going to be difficult. To give ourselves every chance of getting maximum points we’re going to need a full 80-minute performance.”

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