Irish have the quality to go all the way in Europe – Mafi
STEVE Mafi says London Irish have the mental aptitude to transfer their sparkling Premiership form onto the European stage.
The flanker insists Exiles are relishing the challenge of having to fight their way out of what is an extremely difficult pool, and enjoy some electrifying big match atmospheres at Brentford Community Stadium.
Battling domestic wins at venues such as Exeter and Harlequins this season have shown Irish have what it takes to succeed on big occasions on the road.
Saracens, Edinburgh and French pair Pau and Brive ensure Pool C is an unforgiving battleground where there will be little place for shrinking violets or slip ups.
Exiles open with a trip to the Pyrenees to take on Pau on Saturday and Mafi says Irish are merely concentrating on what he and his teammates can bring to the European party rather than worrying about the threat posed by their opponents.
Irish would dearly love to get their hands on a first European trophy having endured an extra-time loss to Gloucester in the 2006 Challenge Cup Final at Twickenham Stoop.
Mafi, 31, who has 32 Tonga caps, said: “With the squad we have here we have the ability to go all the way. There’s no hiding place in Europe because every game you play is against top class opposition. Our pool is a tough one but that’s the nature of the beast.
“We know what to expect from Saracens and Edinburgh while the French teams are always so competitive. We need to bring our best game into Europe; if you want to succeed in top club rugby you have to step up another level.”
Mafi says Irish won’t change their attacking philosophy for Europe: “I don’t think there will be any difference is our style of play from the Premiership. We trust our system to get the job done whichever the competition. We will head to Pau with confidence high and keen to make a fast start to the competition.
“We are grinding away and sticking to our basics, and working at what we’re good at. We’re beginning to get the rewards we want from putting everything on the field and the atmosphere in the squad is excellent. These are exciting times at the club and we want to make them more exciting by doing well in the Challenge Cup.”
Mafi, who reached three European Cup quarterfinals with Leicester, added: “When I was at Tigers we had some huge European games. One which stands out is the quarter-final against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium. The noise from the crowd was incredible and Leinster had a big reputation in the competition. Unfortunately, we fell short but it was a real exciting occasion to be part of.”