Flanker David McCann knows Ulster will need a complete 80-minute performance if they are to beat defending URC champions Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on Friday.

Ulster have won five of their seven games in the domestic league and Europe, scoring a try bonus point in all seven matches, and have put spells of scintillating rugby together without being able to sustain it for a whole game.

Last Saturday in Cardiff, Ulster were 14 points ahead with 18 minutes left but shipped 17 unanswered points and lost the game.

McCann said: “I think tactically we're in the right place, it's just about implementing that and being consistent. Everyone being on the same page, with good body language. I think we've shown what we can do when we do that.

placeholder image — Ulster flanker David McCann speaks to the press ahead of Friday's United Rugby Championship clash with Leinster in Dublin. (Photo by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press)

“I think it's about connecting and being on the same page, something we spoke about – just making sure we don't let ourselves drift.

“It's something we've been saying all year, we need to have 80-minute performances.”

Leinster lost three of their first four games this season, but Leo Cullen’s side have responded by winning their last four games and McCann knows Ulster’s record isn’t the best in Dublin.

“We haven't gone well the past couple of years there but I think we know this year, if we play well, we're hard to deal with for anyone,” he added.

“So it's more just focusing on ourselves and where we're at at the moment and as I said, if we put 80 minutes together, I think teams will struggle to stay with us.

“The Aviva's always exciting. It's a great surface to play on, so firstly that's always handy, but hopefully it'll be a good crowd and a good atmosphere, because that always adds to it. And the rivalry is better when there's a decent crowd.

“I think they definitely haven't started the way they'd want to, but we all know how good their players are. So, it's just if they put in a good performance, we know that they're quality players.

"I think there's definitely a few areas where they've been lacking, as we've seen, but I think ultimately, on their day, the players are good enough to right those wrongs.”

McCann continues to rack up the minutes and has featured in all of Ulster’s seven games – playing a full 80 minutes in five of them – and believes what you do away from the pitch is crucial to being in peak condition both mentally and physically.

“I think you do the right things for your body, recovering in the days after the game,” he said. “You should feel fine by the time the game comes around, so, it's just about staying mentally fresh and making sure that you're looking after that side of things.

“I think sport can get you down quite quickly like that, so it's just about on a Sunday, not worrying too much about it, doing whatever work you have to do.

“So, review, do a bit of prep for the next week, but not letting yourself get bogged down in the result too much.

“It's more about the processes and being excited to get better and look forward to the next week.”