Carl Kirwan believes London Welsh must show the same energy and desire of recent weeks against London Irish today (2.30pm) to stand a chance of breaking their miserable run.

Welsh host second-bottom Irish at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium, hoping to bring a 15-match losing run in the Aviva Premiership to an end.

For all their endeavour against Gloucester, defensive errors in the opening half-hour saw Welsh go 27-3 behind before they could really have an impact on the scoreboard.

Flanker Kirwan says Welsh need more of the same enthusiasm today, but cannot allow Irish any early advantage.

The 23-year-old, who will leave the Exiles this summer for Worcester Warriors, added: “The energy was there against Gloucester and the boys were motivated.

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“Unfortunately it was really simple errors that cost us.

“We played some good rugby and kept the ball well and we were energetic.

“This weekend we need more of the same.”

Irish have lost their last four matches in all competitions, but will take heart from picking up losing bonus points against league leaders Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers in recent weeks.

Welsh will hope for no repeat of the reverse fixture at Reading on Boxing Day when a late Tom Court try sealed a 26-9 win for Irish, while both sides were reduced to 14 men after visiting captain Tom May and Daniel Leo clashed.