Bath seek first win in Exiles' back yard

The Exiles will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways after their defeat to Bristol Bears last weekend in a high-scoring game at Ashton Gate: 

Meanwhile, Bath are in search of their first victory of the current campaign, most recently falling victim to Wasps at The Rec: 

The last time the two sides met was in Round 25 of the previous campaign: 

“This fixture has all the makings of a good game of rugby,” said Declan Kidney, Exiles' Director of Rugby. 

“From a neutral’s perspective, I think you can bill most games in the Gallagher Premiership to be an exciting prospect, such is the manner of the sport. 

“I think tomorrow’s game is no different and we look forward to welcoming a good crowd down to the Gtech Community Stadium.” 

Match facts: 

London Irish 

• By kicking smartly into space, London Irish are dominating the aerial battle so far this season, retaining a league-high 12 of their kicks from hand. 
• Seemingly indomitable, Henry Arundell’s season total for metres run with ball in hand is now 414. Last weekend, he was yet again the player who ran the most metres in the league, stretching out for 156 metres 
• Moving the ball quickly and effectively, Paddy Jackson has made 11 miss passes so far this season – more than any other player. 

Bath Rugby 

• Controlling the game from the base, last weekend Louis Schreuder passed the ball more times than any other player (65). 
• Tom Dunn has returned with a vengeance; of his 30 tackles so far this season, he has made a league-high six turnovers in the tackle. 
• Piers Francis has been given a new lease of life this season. Trusted with the reins at fly-half for Bath, he remains the top points-scorer in the 2022/23 Premiership (36). 

Historical 

• Between February 2013 and December 2019, London Irish lost all 11 of their fixtures against Bath. 
• The last contest between these sides saw Bath claim a tense 27-24 victory. 
• London Irish have had a mixed bag since thumping Worcester Warriors in round one, losing to both Northampton Saints and Bristol. However, their seven tries against the Warriors remains the highest total in a single match so far this season. 
• When Worcester win, they tend to do so in style. They have scored 39 points or more in their last two victories.