By Jim Stokes BBC Sport

Mark McCall will be looking for an improvement from Ulster players

Ulster players will be forced to watch a video nasty this week in an effort to glean why they allowed Celtic League leaders Ospreys the run of Ravenhill.

Within nine minutes of the second half starting Ulster incredibly managed to leak three converted tries and see a hard-earned 14-0 lead overturned.

In the end they gifted the Ospreys 37 second half points. So came to an end coach Mark McCall's honeymoon period.

The once Fortress Ravenhill now appears to have revolving doors.

It was the second successive home defeat following the reverse against fierce provincial rivals Leinster two weeks ago. Mind you, don't feel that sorry for the new man, however. He would never want, or expect, that.

He knows the buck stops with him and forwards coach Allen Clarke. That comes with the territory.

But he will want a genuine chance to stamp his imprint on Ulster, and it will take more than four or five Celtic League games for that to happen.

I just hope that the Ulster fans, who have been weaned on a modicum of success during the Alan Solomons era, will afford McCall a fair hearing.

Menance is the one word missing from the Ulster performances so far

So far the players have blown slightly hot and then very cold. After Saturday they will be sternly rebuked by McCall. Nobody will escape criticism.

McCall is good guy, and some may perceive him as too nice. But take it from me, he has a jagged tongue that would have a stevedore cowering in a corner.

The injury to Neil McMillan means the absence of a genuine openside flanker is one good reason for a lack of continuity. While the loss of the menacing duo Robbie Kempson and Matt Sexton are two more.

Menace. I suppose that is the one word that is missing from the Ulster performances up front. Ulster pack now a soft touch?

No, I do not think it is that bad, but certain players need to take it upon themselves to assert some more authority over the opposition.

Continuity and ball carrying will be a necessary training point before the Heineken Cup starts.

Basically, though, players will just have to step up to the plate. The set-pieces are solid enough, but could creak in Europe. The line-outs are a big improvement on last season with Ulster getting a high percentage of their own ball.

It was very noticeable on Saturday when Andy Ward trooped off with an elbow injury, that the team, particularly up front, were rudderless.

Youngster Tommy Bowe has pace to burn on the Ulster wing

Nobody took over the leadership cudgel and fronted up. Ulster were like a ship adrift on the high seas.

With the McMillan injury having been a problem, the back-row does look a little unbalanced without a genuine groundhog. He is a leader in the making, and the sooner he returns the better.

Flanker Neil Best at least shows aggression, albeit on occasions at the wrong place at the wrong time ... three yellow cards this season already. If he could re-direct that temper into the game of rugby, he could be a good one.

Number eight Roger Wilson is getting back into the groove, although a few missed tackles against the Ospreys will have annoyed him. But he will just get better and better as the season goes on.

The front five are doing fine, but in school teacher terms, must do better. A bit of aggro would not go amiss.

The backs at present look a little disorganised, although to be honest there is little room in today's game unless they get quicker, and cleaner, ball.

Scrum-half Neil Doak may not be the swiftest, but still the best on show at present. Kieran Campbell still needs that little step before he passes, but has genuine pace.

Reece Spee has now returned to action following a summer injury. He could end up playing a key role in Europe.

There is now oodles of talent, and pace, outside the half-backs, with Tommy Bowe and Andy Maxwell making their mark. But it all starts up front to make things happen.

The sooner the better for McCall. He deserves more.