Rugby reaction: High praise for Reds

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.

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