Hodgson, capped nine times by his country and now on the coaching staff with the Championship leaders, said the Islanders’ varied approach forced Irish to adapt on their way to a 42-29 success at the Madejski Stadium – their tenth win from ten games as they storm towards an immediate return to the Premiership.
‘It was a great contest,’ he said. ‘Jersey came with an all-round game-plan which tested us in many different areas, and when you’re concentrating on processes and growing your own game long term it’s really nice to face a team who’s got an all-round plan.
‘They ran well, they kicked well, their set-piece was good and they’ve got some good backs, and that’s something we had to embrace. It was a good test.’
The Exiles came from behind after an early Guy Armitage opener to continue their unbeaten run with a five-tries to four victory – conceding a scoring bonus point for the first time this campaign.
Full reaction, and match report, in Monday’s JEP.