Brian Smith, the Director of Rugby for the Aviva Premiership Rugby Union side the London Irish has admitted that his side’s struggles are due to the fact that they are yet to become the finished article and are, at best, a work in progress. Speaking ahead of a crucial Amlin Challenge Cup match against fellow Aviva Premiership rivals Gloucester Rugby, Smith mentioned that his and his side’s main challenge will be to end the four match losing streak that they have endured by beating The Cherry Whites and restore some pride and confidence into the players.
He mentioned that his side needs to become much more confident and has to find that ruthless streak in order to turn defeats into victories. Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, Smith mentioned that although they want to outscore Gloucester Rugby, the London Irish also want to prove that they are an extremely difficult side to get on the score sheet against, and is hopeful that the things they have worked for in training to shore up the defense will come in handy during the match.
Saturday night’s match at Kingsholm, the home of Gloucester Rugby will give The Exiles and immediate chance of exacting revenge on The Cherry Whites for their come from behind 29-22 victory over them last weekend, and Smith admits revenge is a factor that is driving the players in his team. He added that Gloucester will be in the home straight considering their confidence will be sky high after a brilliant come from behind victory against his team.
He mentioned that the London Irish will be making some changes to the side and he is hopeful that these changes will ultimately get the result for them, adding that a victory is of utmost importance for the confidence of the team.