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Page last updated at 07:39 GMT, Wednesday, 16 April 2008 08:39 UK

Smith ready for Quins 'rehearsal'

Declan Danaher
Smith wants more despite Declan Danaher's two tries against Newcastle

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith says his side will match Toulouse in the Heineken Cup if they can handle Harlequins high-tempo play on Saturday.

Irish face Quins hoping to push for a top six Premiership finish, with Toulouse the visitors next weekend.

"Top six is definitely still possible," Smith told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"Harlequins are in form. They play high tempo and we see it as a great dress rehearsal for what we are going to have to do against Toulouse."

Exiles defeated Newcastle 13-8 at Kingston Park on Saturday but Smith wants more from his players as they face a tough fortnight.

"I'm disappointed with aspects of the precision of things that we did [against Newcastle]," he said.

"There was no problem with the endeavour but we lacked accuracy and that was a little bit disappointing.

"We were a bit off the pace but no real harm was done."

Smith sees the win as points dropped rather than gained, having missed out on a winning bonus point.

"We wanted to get a four-try bonus point. For us a win was very important but we also had Saracens in our sights.

"If we could have got five points out of the game we would have been one further up the ladder.

"But as it is, we are nestled in one point below them and that bonus point could hurt us down the line."


see also
Newcastle 8-13 London Irish
13 Apr 08 |  Rugby Union
Never write Irish off - Danaher
08 Apr 08 |  London Irish
London Irish 20-9 Perpignan
05 Apr 08 |  Rugby Union


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