It's more than just 70 minutes!

Irish supporters had to sit through a clinical Sarries performance, gradually picking off a Worcester side in form.  The sight of Worcester conceding 48 points against Sarries will give any Exiles supporter the hope of avoiding relegation this season!  Irish can claim a better performance against the side from Allianz Park. 

 

London Irish were desperate for a win, give supporters something to cheer about (for a change).  Irish stuck in and gave Wasps an almighty challenge, at least for 70 minutes.  Then Wasps got two tries in the final ten minutes - making the scoreline rather embarrassing and not fairly representing the majority of the affair.  If Irish hadn't given up in the last 10 minutes then the scoreline would have finished a more respectable 15-21 or even better for the boys in green. 

 

It's best to get the negatives out of the way first.  The issue seems to be the bench.  Irish were in the game with 60 minutes on - in fact Williams had crossed for his second of the day and Noakes had finally converted points from the tee.  Wasps rung the changes, four of them, Irish made two changes after 60 minutes.  The problem appeared to be that once Wasps got some fresh faces on the field they regained and restored energy levels and went out for two more tries, to get their bonus point.  On the other hand, Irish made changes from 51 minutes on and they had little or no effect on the game.  In fact they weakened the side.  The key to a good side and an excellent side is now clear.  The players on the bench have to be of equal standard to the men starting.  London Irish lacked this. 

 

Secondly, goal kicking remains an issue for London Irish.  Noakes left 8 points out on the pitch.  Those 8 points can change a game.  I pose a question now, when Chris Noakes or Shane Gerraghty steps up are you more than 90% certain that they will get the points?  For me no.  So, when Johnny Sexton or George Ford step up are you more than 90% sure they will get the points?  For me yes.  To win in rugby games you need points.  To have  a player losing you points gives you a disadvantage.  After gaining penalties you need somebody to actually give you the advantage, every time.  London Irish need to find a kicker who will always get the points, then games get closer and more games can be won. 

 

Finally, (positives coming up soon!) Fowlie proved why he isn't a winger.  It is great to see him in the team, it's a pleasure to have academy players in your starting XV in the Premiership.  However, Tom has moved from the wing to centre, a position he has played and dominated so far this Premiership season.  He lacked the pace to beat defenders, his defence on the wing was weak, he failed to read the Elliot Daly line for their second try of the afternoon.  He isn't a wing and if he is to play he should be played in the centres.  Somebody like Andrew Fenby on the wing would have been a better fix. 

 

And now some positives!  First up the defence.  Wasps were in London Irish's 22 and 5 metre zones for solid periods of time.  However, it took the 38 minutes to cross the whitewash.  Irish confined Wasps to 6 points for over 35 minutes.  All good sides have a solid and an impermeable defence in their locker and London Irish appeared to have this, until 70 minutes.  

 

Another positive is the attack.  London Irish showed their willingness to run from deep, and counter attack.  Irish were clinical when they were in attacking positions.  Johnny Williams dotting down for two very well taken tries ,however, Irish didn't find themselves in enough attacking positions, especially when Noakes couldn't kick his points.  The tries were well worked but more attacking play needs to get the focus.  

 

Finally, London Irish should receive lots of plaudits for the number of academy players they have in their squad.  Williams had a fantastic European weekend(s) and was rewarded for his hard graft and good work with a Premiership starting XV place.  Williams is a real talent and was more than able to hold his own in a Premiership environment.  Along with two fantastically taken tries, he also produced a big hit on Nathan Hughes - proving he has the pace and physicality for this environment.

 

To conclude, if I was Tom Coventry (I promise I am not) I would make changes, not necessarily to the starting XV but certainly to the bench.  Williams deserves another Premiership start alongside Tiko however I feel that Tom Fowlie should be dropped to the bench and attacking flair Andrew Fenby brought into the team - he is a winger while Tom appears to have adapted to playing in the centres.  Also, the likes of Maitland cannot get back into the team quick enough.  Possibly even drop Noakes for Gerraghty or Brophy-Clews.  There are positives to last night's performance but a win is required to raise supporters spirits! 

 

Come on you Irish!