Danaher: Newcastle result testament to whole squad effort

Assistant Coach Declan Danaher has praised the efforts of the London Irish squad after a convincing 42-14 win over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on Friday evening.

Despite ensuring qualification to the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final the week previous, Irish had lost their last three Premiership outings but six tries against Falcons warranted the five points in the North East.

Danaher detailed how Irish nonetheless were required to reaffirm their positioning in the Round 23 match-up after Ben Stevenson’s late try in the first-half.

“I think we had a good first-half and knew that Newcastle were going to come out fighting,” Danaher expressed. 

“We weathered that first 10 minutes, and as the game went on the substitutes that came on had a big impact to get a good win in the end. 

“It’s been eight years since we have won up here and to get an away win against any team is a good result.”

The Exiles firmly repositioned losses against Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints and Harlequins in the rearview mirror with Friday’s result, hoping now the west Londoners can kick on in all three competitions.

“We’ve been working away all year and are still in the league, cup and Europe so it’s a pretty hectic time for the lads with a lot going on, but it’s a testament to them and their effort that they have come up here and won. 

“We’re preparing for our two home games now against Tigers and Wasps and off the back of our recent losses, the lads want to put that right and I expect two big performances coming up now as we build towards the end of the season.”

Danaher and the coaching staff have attributed much of their side’s success in the 2021/22 season to a vast array of players to choose from come matchday, and a trip to Falcons was no different. 

Replacement Matt Cornish finished off Paddy Jackson’s cross-field kick for Irish’s final try, following on from scores from finishers Matt Rogerson and Will Joseph sealed Irish’s win at the Brentford Community Stadium against Castres Olympique.

“Unfortunately, we lost Ollie Hoskins before the match to sickness, but Ciaran Parker came on as a sub, who I thought was superb. 

“Taking over from Marcel, he worked extremely hard and had a couple of lovely carries. 

“There was him, Matt Cornish, Will Joseph and Henry [Arundell], all of the substitutes realise when they get an opportunity they have to make an impact so it’s good for them to learn with three games in a week.”