London Irish director of rugby hails side’s resilience after Bath win

Saturday, September 22, 2012
9:45 PM

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith praised the resilience of his men, two of whom had barely set foot in the club before being thrust into the heat of battle, in this afternoon’s 29-22 win over Bath at the Madejski Stadium.

The Exiles started the afternoon rock bottom of the Aviva Premiership, without a win in three matches and having lost all of those by over 40 points.

But tries from Tongan prop Halani Aulika, on his debut, and centre Jonathan Joseph - plus some serious resistence when their backs were to the wall - gave Irish the glory.

Centre Steve Shingler added 19 points with five penalties and two conversions as Bath’s Olly Barkley - who, it was announced, is leaving for France after next week’s home game against Sale - also kicked five penalties and converted a try from wing Kyle Eastmond.

Irish had flanker Jamie Gibson sent to the sin-bin for a ruck offence on their own line in the second half amid intense pressure from the West Country side, but they managed to keep Bath out.

Former England backs coach Smith said: “I felt our team were very brave and gallant. We had to fight a lot of adversity. Most people won’t be aware but two of the guys who came on as replacements were not involved in the captain’s run on Friday.

“Alan Cotter flew in on Friday from Munster to join our squad and Jerry Yanuyanutawa flew in from Australia on Friday, so the team had to face a lot of adversity including a massive 8-2 penalty count in the second half and we had to defend our line as if our lives depended on it - and we did it.

“It is a good win and I think we can get a lot of momentum from this. We have to keep our feet on the ground and line up Worcester for Friday night.

“We had to stop the drive today and we did that. The defence was outstanding and we showed we can break out and score but guys like Matt Garvey were huge in the pack and all the forwards played their part.

“We have stayed focused. Sport is a great leveller and it is great to get out of the blocks. Yes, it is a relief but now we have to go and do it all again on Friday.

“I’m pleased for the players because if people looked only at the points on the table, they would think we have done nothing and achieved nothing so far this season. That is not an accurate reflection.”