Yahoo Sports Lowry 'so focused' as Ulster aim to end losing run
"There will be a bit of turkey and we'll get a couple of days off, but I'm so focused on the game that Christmas is almost a second priority for me."
The festive period may be just around the corner, but it is not at the forefront of Michael Lowry's mind.
The most pressing matter is turning around Ulster's difficult run of form as Irish rivals Munster come to Belfast on Friday in the United Rugby Championship.
Saturday's defeat by Bordeaux in Europe was their fourth in a row in all competitions as Ulster shipped 26 points without reply in Belfast.
That followed a loss to Cardiff before the autumn internationals - where Ulster again let a big lead slip - and defeats by Leinster and Champions Cup holders Toulouse.
Despite the run of form, Lowry says morale is still high within the young squad and they are focusing on the positives from a bruising period.
"The main thing is we're seeing an improving picture in terms of what we're trying to do," said Lowry, who can operate at full-back or on the wing.
"Results are what we're trying to aim for but as long as we're going in the right direction then it's a good thing.
"Hopefully we keep on that track and start to get a few wins under our belt."
Lowry says that Ulster's first-half performance against Bordeaux was "the best 40 minutes" the side have played all season.
Richie Murphy's side led by five points at half-time but their French opponents, who are second in the Top 14 behind all-conquering Toulouse, roared back in the final quarter to seal a convincing win.
"Unfortunately the second half wasn't as good and that's what we need to put out there, a full 80-minute performance," added Lowry, 26.
"We're going in the right direction. It's good when you look back on things and see we're so close to having that 80 minute performance if we just tidy up a few things.
Lowry added there is still "a real buzz" around Ulster's Ravenhill home and having a game so soon provides Ulster with an opportunity to respond.
"We review the game, both good and bad. We will work on those bad things, but it's about having belief. We want to keep improving the good things as well. Yes it's good, but it's not perfect," he said.
"We're striving for that. We're trying to get better individually and hopefully collectively it will come."
'Both teams will want to prove a point'
Munster come to Belfast off the back of a defeat by Castres in their second European match, and Friday's Irish opponents are locked together in the table - just in a much lower position that they are accustomed to in 10th and 11th.
Lowry feels that facing Munster, who are without a permanent head coach since the departure of Graham Rowntree in October, is a "great opportunity" to respond.
He said: "It's a huge test and game. There's a point between us and Munster, so it's a great opportunity to back up what we done in that first half against Bordeaux and really test ourselves again.
"We know what Munster are capable of and we have to be on our game. They are off the back of a defeat so they will have the same attitude.
"They want to prove a point as well, so it's exciting and there's no better way to put things right than in an inter-pro."
Despite turning 26 on the eve of the season, Lowry feels like he is one of the more senior players in the squad and hopes to use his experience to guide the younger players through Ulster's difficult run.
"That's more of a role now with such a young squad. I do like checking in on lads and really encouraging them to bring their best self out," he said.
"Everyone is here for a reason, and I start to pick up if lads aren't feeling themselves or if training isn't at the standard we need it to be.
"Sometimes if training isn't good enough then it reflects in the game.
"Driving our training standards has been a big thing. That's something I'm trying to do, and standing up in meetings and leading that way.
"Yes, you need a bit of positivity and belief, but there is also a line where you need to drive standards when they are not good enough."
