Saints went down 27-22 to Ulster Rugby at Kingspan Stadium, a week on from their opening round thrashing at the hands of Racing 92.

But Boyd believes the Gallagher Premiership side were more competitive against the Irish province and couldn’t fault his players’ commitment.

“It was certainly a better performance than last week, and I didn’t think the result was down to a lack of trying or effort,” he told Northampton’s website.

“We stuck to task pretty well for most of the game, but again gave them a bit of a lead – and the yellow card and penalty try from one incident turned out to be pivotal, as their next try came from a chip into the space where the half-back would have been as well.

“So, the result is disappointing but when we pick the bones out of it there will be more to be encouraged about than against Racing, that’s for sure.”

Boyd, who says he is looking forward to another clash with the United Rugby Championship outfit at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens in Round 3, went on to pick out some individuals who impressed him on Friday night.

“We’re frustrated that we lacked the six points in the end to get us over the line. We came here to get more than a [losing bonus] point, but the positive thing is that we get to play them again in a few weeks’ time.

“There were some good efforts out there without us asking enough questions of that Ulster team. Lewis [Ludlam] was good, Courtney [Lawes] was good and Woody (Tom Wood) chugged away as well.

“George [Furbank] played well too. He’s very capable at fullback or fly-half, and we were happy with the way he played in the 10 jersey tonight.”

Northampton Saints director of rugby Chris Boyd says there is “more to be encouraged about” despite his side falling to a second Heineken Champions Cup Pool A defeat in two games on Friday.