How Sexton transformed Ulster's attack with 'real clarity'

"That's where the ball needs to go.

"It's really simple, and then it's a case of making sure that when we make mistakes, that we're not too focused on it, and we focus on the process."

While the defence has also improved - with 394 points conceded this season compared to 506 a year ago - Ulster's swashbuckling attack has drew plaudits across the league.

While Sexton was modest about his role, full-back Michael Lowry wasn't as shy in praising Sexton, saying he has been "brilliant" and made a difference in a number of areas.

"You can see how good our attack's been.

"He just brings real clarity, confidence to the team and his mentality, he's been brilliant as well."

Lowry added that the confidence implemented by Sexton and the rest of the coaching staff "brings a lot of trust".

"Everything's very simple, but he's very honest with you as well, which is great and it's definitely been such an improvement in our game.

"The thing that I find about him is the mentality side and how much he brings to the team that way, bringing the team a lot of confidence that if you do what he says, it's going to work."

Ulster 'attacking every moment'

Despite the clear improvements this season for Ulster - something Nick Timoney said came from drawing a line under the previous campaign - a top-eight finish is not yet secure.

Last season, 48 points was enough for Scarlets to finish in eighth. Ulster currently sit on 50 and, such is the congestion in the table, they could finish anywhere from fourth to ninth.

Lowry says that Ulster are "attacking every moment" as they chase silverware on two fronts.

"We've seen all the work at the start of the season, and we really trust what we're doing at the minute.

"Especially in our attack, we're going after every moment and just playing the picture in front of our face at the minute.

"We're enjoying our rugby and we can take confidence from what we have done throughout the season, and hopefully bring that into the business end of the season."

Michael Lowry has become a key player for Ulster [Getty Images]

While Friday's game with Glasgow is huge in the sense of securing play-off rugby and Champions Cup qualification, the following match has even more on the line.

Ulster face Montpellier looking to win their first silverware in 20 years in Bilbao, and if they miss out through the URC, victory over the French side would secure a Champions Cup spot next season.

For Sexton, he says "you have to go for it" with a trophy on the line.

"We want to make sure that we go and attack the game," he said.

"We don't want to go after the game and worry that we haven't put our best foot forward.

"If we lose because we've made too many mistakes, that won't be a problem.

"But if we lose without firing a shot, that'll be a big disappointment."