London Irish brace themselves for Exeter

Round 19 will conclude at the Brentford Community Stadium where London Irish will host defending champions, Exeter Chiefs. 

The Exiles took a pasting in the last round, falling prey to Newcastle Falcons, 52-27, at Kingston Park.  

Exeter, meanwhile, thumped Worcester Warriors 41-10 at Sandy Park and will view Irish as a very possible five-pointer, all things considered. 

Exeter can taste a home semi-final opportunity from where they currently are; third place on the log and just one point behind Sale Sharks. The latter face a tough ask in Round 20 when they face the log leading Bristol Bears, so, if Exeter can really get their hooks into Irish this round and again into Newcastle in Round 20, a home semi-final for them could be a distinct possibility, which will no doubt add in no small way to their motivation as the tournament nears the play-offs. 

With 6 wins from 18 outings, Irish have posted a total of 43 points which gives them 7th spot on the log. Realistically, they are out of the running for a semi-final berth and will thus be playing for pride against the formidable Chiefs.  

Rob Baxter’s charges enjoyed a comfortable, 26-3 victory the last time they locked horns with Irish, which was in Round 9.