On the face of it, Ulster are without a victory in their four United Rugby Championship outings this season.
But head coach Richie Murphy is not ready to hit the panic button.
Despite a winless start, the Irish province are just one point outside the play-off places despite a struggle for results.
An opening defeat by Edinburgh was followed by two thrilling draws against Glasgow and Munster, and then a loss to the Bulls in the first of a South African double-header.
There has been a constant theme throughout: Ulster have allowed the opposition to build an early – and often significant – lead.
On each occasion they have fought back, but have yet to seal a comeback with victory.
Murphy admits his side have been “digging a bit of a hole” in each of their four matches this season.
“Obviously, we’re not quite getting the results that we wanted, but we’re in every game,” said Murphy, whose side defeated Zebre in their Challenge Cup opener.
“We’re playing against top-class opposition and we’re fighting for everything we can get.”
“It’s really important that we don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. We will stick to our process and stick to what we believe in, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
