Exiles hope to maintain form in Challenge Cup
In the European Challenge Cup tomorrow, London Irish tackle Newcastle at Kingston Park, hoping to continue impressive Guinness Premiership form that has thrust them into title play-off contention.
Irish though, have a lengthy casualty list, with the latest addition – centre Nils Mordt – sidelined until at least December after suffering a serious knee injury during last Saturday’s league victory over Leeds.
“We are taking our strongest available match squad to Newcastle,” said Exiles rugby director Brian Smith.
“The players have been performing well recently, and we have confidence in their ability to concentrate on doing a job at Kingston Park. It is going to be a good challenge, and one that we are looking forward to meeting.
“The club’s first European semi-final in four seasons could not be more difficult.
“Having had a great win over the Premiership leaders (Sale Sharks) last weekend and secured the club’s future in the league, this match will be like a cup final for the Falcons.”
Newcastle, meanwhile, are set to give fit-again Jonny Wilkinson another run-out from the replacements’ bench following his successful comeback appearance during Falcons’ victory against Sale.
