London Irish: Underdogs to Title Contenders?

London Irish are currently top of the Guinness Premiership. It is an amazing achievement for a club that were under serious threat of relegation 4 years ago.

The transformation of the club has been absolutely remarkable. When Brian Smith took over as Director of Rugby 3 years ago, London Irish were struggling, they had narrowly avoided relegation the previous season and the reputation as one of the lowest try scorers in the league.
Smith, a typical Australian with a burning desire to win, coupled with a passion for expansive rugby was determined to change all that.

He did, and how, that season London Irish swept teams aside with a running game that had pace, width, inventiveness and at times pure genius. They finished third in the league, running in an incredible 54 tries, making them the league's highest scorers.
Just last season Smith guided the team to the first Heineken Cup semi-final in their history and had instilled in them a brand of rugby admired throughout the English game.

In the summer Brian Smith departed to become Attack Coach as part of Martin Johnson's new-look England coaching team. Despite this, Toby Booth, promoted to Head coach from his previous position as Assistant coach under Smith, and Player-Coach Mike Catt, vowed to carry on what Smith had started. So far, so good, the team lie top of the league, having achieved some impressive results. This occurring despite losing star performers Delon Armitage and Nick Kennedy to England duty this autumn. They beat champions Wasps 26-14 in the first game of the season, and achieved a narrow 28-27 win over high flying Harlequins. The team then ran in 4 tries in a convincing 28-6 win over Sale, a side that was previously unbeaten and hadn't conceded a single try.

Results like the tight win against Harlequins after trailing 20-8 at half -time show the side, as well as scoring tries, are developing a much needed resolve. Such an attribute will be crucial if they are to become title-winning material.

One thing is for sure, so far, the signs are good.