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Image source, Inpho
Richie Murphy's Ulster started their season with a six-try win over Dragons
Ulster head coach Richie Murphy says that any of his players who have aspirations to play for Ireland should focus on their club form, and that will lead to international opportunities.
Ireland face New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and Australia in four autumn internationals in November.
There were only three Ulster players named in Simon Easterby's initial Six Nations squad in February, compared to 23 from Leinster and five each from Munster and Connacht.
That was reflective of Ulster's poor season, in which they would go on to finish in 14th place in the United Rugby Championship.
"It's off the back of performances. If our boys want to play for Ireland they have to take that white shirt and play really well," Murphy told BBC Sport NI about those who are aiming for Ireland selection in the autumn.
"That's the message that we're driving within our group, don't be looking for something else. Look at us and make us play really well.
"People will recognise that and you will get acknowledgement off the back of that.
"To get into a green jersey, the vehicle is a successful Ulster team and the more successful we are, then the more numbers we get into that squad."
After a disappointing last season, Ulster opened their United Rugby Championship campaign with a 42-21 win over Dragons in Belfast.
Murphy said scoring six tries was a "good return" but knows his side can improve in Friday's second game in Edinburgh, who claimed a 47-17 win over Ulster in May.
"Six tries in any game is a good return. When we looked at it we could see loads of other opportunities where we can get better.
"That's the way we are trying to approach it this year. We were happy to get the win and getting five points from our first game was massive, but how can we improve and get better?
"We see different things in our game that we weren't overly happy with, but we'll try and rectify them in training and bring that into the game."
Murphy also said there were injury concerns over backs Jacob Stockdale and Mike Lowry, who picked up knocks in the win over the Dragons and would be assessed later in the week.
