“Slow out the blocks on Friday night but huge effort to come back in the manner we did during that second half.”

The Blue, Black and White scored 24 second-half points to claw themselves into contention of victory in Round 3 after the first 40 saw them 31-7 down at home.

There was a fight and determination from the squad, led by captain Tom Dunn, to put some pride in the jersey and that is a feeling that remains in the group heading into London Irish.

One of the reasons van Velze joined the club was to add leadership to the pack but also rise to the challenge and journey ahead.

“The one thing that attracted me to Bath is the challenge; there is a huge challenge ahead of us,” he said.

“Every single person involved at Bath will be frustrated. We shouldn’t be where we are currently and it’s about accepting and confronting that challenge.

“We all know the hard work we put in in the summer and the first thing we have to do is acknowledge the start hasn’t been great. We will not be defined by these results and that would have been the same if we’d won all three games.

“There is still a lot of work to be done. I do believe the ship is turning and the second 40 minutes against Wasps is a clear indication of that. We will grow and we will evolve as the season goes on.”

Irish are a team who have developed significantly over the past couple of seasons and have an array of attacking talent.

They scored 36 point away to Bristol Bears last weekend but came out on the wrong side of the scoreline at Ashton Gate. Van Velze insists they are a side with great quality but says Bath’s focus will be on themselves.

“They have talent all across the park and they like to throw the ball around.

“We know the way we want to prepare and they way we want to play. It’s a case of us getting time in the saddle there and enjoying the process.”

MATCH DETAILS - LONDON IRISH V Bath Rugby

When: Saturday 1 October, 15:00
Where: Gtech Community Stadium
Competition: R4 Gallagher Premiership
Coverage: Match Centre, BBC Radio Bristol, PRTV Live
Referee: Karl Dickson
Assistant Referees: Dan Jones & James Clarke
TMO: Claire Hodnett

London irish PROFILE

Formed: 1898
Stadium: Gtech Community Stadium
Director of Rugby: Declan Kidney
Captain: Matt Rogerson
Finish last season: 8^th

HONOURS

Championship: 2016/17, 2018/19
Premiership Rugby Cup: 2001/02
Surrey Cup: Four time between 1980 and 1987
Premiership Rugby Sevens Series: 2012

ONE TO WATCH – HENRY ARUNDELL

Arundell as stole headlines last season with a couple of stunning long-distance tries for Irish. His potential earned him a call-up by Eddie Jones and on his England debut against Australia, he powered over the whitewash to carry on his form. This season, the back three player has once again caught the attention of the rugby world with some smart finishes, showing off blistering pace with his latest try against Bristol Bears.

TRY REWIND

Bath Rugby legend Semesa Rokoduguni made it 50 tries in the Premiership during a Blue, Black and White win over London Irish in 2019.

TICKETS: join us at the rec

Next three at The Rec:

Gloucester, Sat 8 Oct, 15:00 (Gallagher Premiership)
Bristol Bears, Wed 19 Oct, 19:45 (Premiership Rugby Cup)
The Double Header! Northampton Saints + Bath Rugby Ladies, Sat 22 Oct

We look forward to you joining us!

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Bath Rugby’s Match Preview is delivered to you by Huboo – the club’s Official Training Wear Partner. For more information on Huboo, visit www.huboo.com

Huboo Match Preview: London Irish (A - Round 4)

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