Les Kiss is keen for London Irish to ‘get back on the bike’ against Bristol Bears tonight - insisting the squad are determined to bounce back from defeat to Gloucester Rugby last weekend.
The Exiles’ Head Coach was in buoyant mood when previewing a fixture he believes has all the ingredients to be another Friday night classic at Ashton Gate.
“We need to get back on the bike after last weekend,” said Kiss.
“There was a bit of a frustration and disappointment following last Friday’s game at Gloucester.
“We didn’t nail the things we should have nailed during the game, and fair play to them, they took their opportunities on their home turf.
“Both teams were probably just below their best, but they came out on top.”
He added: “The boys - by their own admission - know we were a few per-cent below our best.
“They’re keen to respond at Bristol.”
With both teams renowned for their attacking style of play, Kiss is expecting a free-flowing affair in Bristol this evening.
“This will be a different game to last week,” he said.
“I think it will be open and dynamic. Both teams like to be expansive and play attacking rugby.
“They’re a bit further down the line than us in terms of their project - a top-two team last season who are getting their mojo back.
“Our DNA is to back ourselves from our own 22, play a possession based game, be comfortable on the ball and play our way up the pitch.
“Bristol play a similar style, so it’s got all the ingredients to be another good, attacking game of rugby.”
Kiss is well aware of the threat posed by Pat Lam’s side, adding: “You can’t give teams like Bristol easy plays.
“We did last time and they made the most of the chances that we gave them.
“We’ll need to be fully concentrated for the 80-plus minutes.”
