RUGBY UNION: Every game a cup final now (From The Oxford Times)

RUGBY UNION: Every game a cup final now

11:00am Saturday 9th February 2013 in Rugby By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

London Welsh head coach Lyn Jones admits it is business time for his players as they return to the Aviva Premiership today.

After the last four weeks of cup fixtures, the Exiles have nine league games left to ensure they avoid relegation.

“We have used the last four weeks to get everybody back up to match fitness and play some rugby,” said Jones.

“We are getting back to the Premiership now and every game is a cup final for us now.

“We are tenth. If the remaining games go well, we can finish ninth.

“We need to keep backing ourselevs and growing in confidence.”

Welsh lost 38-13 to Leicester at the Kassam Stadium in their opening Premiership fixture on September 2.

Jones said: “We have improved a long, long way since we played Leicester last September, that’s for certain.

“We need to keep on improving as a side.”

Jones has been happy to focus on the Premiership, which means today’s match at Leicester should see Welsh at their best.

“It has been quite difficult for us to be competitive in all competitions, so we have prioritised the Aviva Premiership,” said Jones.

“There is a different attitude to the Premiership fixtures among the boys, you can see that.”

He added: “We always go out to win. If you set your standards lower, you are in for a tough time.

“We appreciate how thorough a side Leicester are, but we are growing up and motivated to do well.”