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Exiles brimming ahead of `intimidating` trip

Monday 13th October 2008

Adding to the jigsaw: Hala'ufia fitting in well

London Irish are expecting a far tougher examination this Friday as they prepare for a European Challenge Cup visit to Connacht.

The Guinness Premiership side were in imposing form as they demolished Italian outfit Rovigo 78-3 last week, running in twelve tries in the rout.

Meanwhile, Michael Bradley's men came back to defeat Dax 30-12 with Exiles' Defence Coach Barrie-Jon Mather believing the forthcoming fixture could be pivotal in how the Pool finishes.

"Galway is an intimidating place, but if we can win over there then it would certainly put us a long way towards achieving our goals," he said, speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire.

"Connacht have had a great run of form in the last couple of weeks - they've beaten Leinster and put 30 points on Dax last Friday night."

And Mather added that the Exiles are set to carry on their intentions of putting out their strongest available team in the second tier Cup competition.

"We had a bad run a couple of weeks ago when we seemed to be down to the bare bones," he continued.

"But nearly all of the squad are fit again now and everyone's available for selection, so if they're there and fit then we'll pick them."

London Irish progressed to the semi-finals of last season's Heineken Cup by playing arguably the most entertaining brand of rugby in the tournament before being edged out by Toulouse.

However, they've strengthened in the off-season and Mather believes they have recruited perfectly in their bid to compete on both domestic and European fronts this term.

"We identified last year that we needed a big ball carrier and Chris [Hala'ufia] has fitted that bill amazingly well - he gets over the gain line almost every time and gets us going forward," he said.

"And some of the skills Elvis [Seveali'i] has are unbelievable and we've now seen them on show.

"His link with [Seilala] Mapusua has been good so far and is just going to get better and better.

"We've also seen some of the guys who are coming back from injury - they've put markers down for selection for the match against Connacht."