Latest
Overview
Season so far
Tournament record
London Irish will be aiming to continue their resurgence when they travel to face Bordeaux-Begles in Pool 1 on Saturday. - 11/10/2012 14:26
London Irish will be aiming to continue their resurgence when they travel to face Bordeaux-Begles in Pool 1 on Saturday.
The Reading-based outfit endured a miserable start to the season and sit one from last in the Premiership table.
But they got back to winning ways, and ripped up the formbook, on the weekend with a 39-17 victory over Northampton Saints.
Topsy Ojo said: “It was great to get the win – it was well needed.
“It would be nice to kick on in the Premiership but the Challenge Cup provides us with an opportunity to progress as a team and we can build momentum.”
The Exiles are regulars in the Amin Challenge Cup but European silverware has so far eluded them with a runners-up medal in 2006 their best effort.
Bordeaux have also struggled in the open weeks of action in France and lie in the same league position as London Irish. They go into the clash on the back of three losses.
Pour sa dernière rencontre européenne de la saison
Sailosi Tagicakibau led the charge as London Irish made light work of Bordeaux-Begles in Pool 1.
The Samoan wing crashed over for a fine double to hand the six-try Exiles a valuable 43-16 point-bonus win in the south of France.
Chris Hala'ufia and Topsy Ojo crossed in the opening period to give Irish a 14-6 half-time advantage at the Stade Andre Moga.
Tighthead prop Halani Aulika added a third before star man Tagicakibau and a late Jonathan Joseph score completed a job well done for the Reading-based outfit.
Irish, who lie in a lowly 11th spot in the Aviva Premiership table, actually fell behind to two early Lachie Munro penalties before bursting into life.
No8 Hala’ufia was the first to touch down in the 14th minute before wing Ojo put the visitors ahead seven minutes later.
The English outfit did not look back in the second half as Ian Humphreys, who converted the first two tries, added a penalty two minutes after the re-start to steer the away side into a commanding 17-6 lead.
Bordeaux replacement Metuisela Talebulamaijaina took over the kicking duties from the injured Munro to cut the deficit to eight points before Irish surged clear in the closing stages.
Charles Brousse scored a last-minute consolation for the hosts but Irish will return home happy with their evening's work.
LIVE - TEST - Commentary