Irish aim to build on victory over Saints

Posted on Oct 9, 2012 in London Irish

London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith has praised his side after Saturday’s Aviva Premiership victory over Northampton Saints at Madejski Stadium.

The Exiles played some scintillating rugby to beat Northampton Saints 39-17 and now go into the Amlin Challenge Cup campaign with renewed confidence.

It has been a difficult start to the season for London Irish. Losing Joe Ansbro to a severe injury in the Club’s final pre-season match against Munster was a huge blow, however Saturday’s victory could be crucial in kick starting the 2012/13 season.

“Northampton was a big challenge for us because confidence wasn’t high, but the boys really fronted up. They got no change out of us at scrum time or in the line-out drive and we have a lot of class in the back line.

“You always want to play well in front of your own supporters, but it wouldn’t have happened if we had not fronted up. Northampton are tough and good enough to bully a lot of teams. The pack we played against, along with Leicester’s, are the best in the league.

They came for us and we were fortunate enough to shut them down.

“The supporters were outstanding; they got behind the team all afternoon. I am delighted we were able to produce this display in front of them.

“We are happy and now we have to crack on. It is important we gain momentum from this and continue it in to a tough Amlin Challenge Cup phase which begins this weekend in Bordeaux.”

London Irish will travel to South-West France this weekend to face Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday evening before welcoming f

fellow Top 14 side, Mont-de-Marsan, to Madejski Stadium on Saturday 20th October.

“Bordeaux will be another tough challenge for the boys. They narrowly lost to Toulouse at the weekend and will be a formidable opponent at home. The boys will be up for the challenge this weekend and will look to get the competition off to a winning start.”