Creevy red-carded for headbutt but 14-man Irish still beat Edinburgh

Olly Cracknell’s converted try three minutes from time lifted London Irish to a wafer-thin 21-20 victory over Edinburgh in the European Challenge Cup. Adam McBurney and Ramiro Moyano crossed the whitewash for Edinburgh, with Emiliano Boffelli adding the extras to both tries, before Jaco van der Walt’s penalty helped the Scottish side into a 17-7 lead at the interval.

Kyle Rowe’s try was all the Exiles had to show for a spirited first-half effort but they narrowed their arrears when Oliver Hoskins touched down under the posts, with Paddy Jackson converting for the second time.

Agustin Creevy, who recently signed a contract extension to stay on at Irish, was then shown a red card for an apparent headbutt on Jamie Ritchie while he was on the deck and Edinburgh, with the extra body, extended their lead to six points on the hour when van der Walt split the posts.

Zach Mercer guests on Le French Rugby Podcast

We catch up with England international Zach Mercer to find out all about the Covid cases in the Montpellier camp, their European ambition, how he’s thriving on and off the field in France, being back on Eddie Jones’ radar after a chat at a recent Top 14 game and much more. Plus, we discuss the lay of the land in the Top 14 and how the regulations in France are affecting rugby and the Champions Cup. And, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
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Zach Mercer guests on Le French Rugby Podcast

We catch up with England international Zach Mercer to find out all about the Covid cases in the Montpellier camp, their European ambition, how he’s thriving on and off the field in France, being back on Eddie Jones’ radar after a chat at a recent Top 14 game and much more. Plus, we discuss the lay of the land in the Top 14 and how the regulations in France are affecting rugby and the Champions Cup. And, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD10 at checkout for 10% off any full price item at Meater.com

But the hosts were rewarded for their late endeavour when replacement front-row Cracknell burst through a gap under the sticks and Jackson held his nerve to keep his 100 per cent conversion rate as Irish secured a last-gasp win.

Toulon made it eleven consecutive pool-stage wins in the competition after beating Worcester 34-23 at Sixways.

Bucking the trend that rugby is no country for old men…#LondonIrish #GallagherPrem #Argentina #LIRvEDIhttps://t.co/sN3KdTADI2

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 14, 2022

Fin Smith kicked three penalties to put the hosts 9-3 ahead but tries from former Warrior Cornell du Preez and Facundo Isa gave Toulon a 17-9 half-time lead.

Gabin Villiere and Beka Gigashvili went over to extend the French side’s advantage to 34-9, with Duhan van der Merwe and Harri Doel grabbing consolation tries.