Bonus blues for Exiles

Smith: Missed out on the bonus point

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London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith was left to rue missed opportunities as his side failed to pick up a bonus point against Newcastle.

First-half tries from Faan Rautembach and Paul Hodgson had helped the Exiles into a 16-0 lead at the break, however London Irish could only added a penalty to their tally in the second half.

And although Smith was pleased with is side's performance, he was left wondering what could have been.

He said: "The changing room is happy for the win, but we are a bit disappointed because, after coming in with two tries at half-time, we thought there might have been the chance to get a four-try bonus point.

"I thought it was an outstanding forward performance, they really did the job on Newcastle in the scrum and the lineout.

"But I wouldn't think too many of the backs were happy with that performance. Our boys are better than that and we expect more from them."

Newcastle chief John Fletcher offered no excuses in defeat admitting the better side had won.

Deserved

He said: "They comprehensively beat us and deserved the win. We were lucky it was only 19.

"That was a disappointing performance, especially in the first half.

"We just didn't play well, we let them get into the lead and then they closed the game out.

"It isn't a lack of effort, it's a lack of composure and if we play like that against Harlequins next week they will beat us.

"We have two massive home matches coming up and it's important that we get something from them."

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