HARRY Elrington believes London Irish must gain parity in the pack as they look to beat Yorkshire Carnegie for a third time this season.

The 23-year-old prop is likely to be part of a much-changed side as Exiles continue to fight on two fronts this season, eyeing a last four spot in the British & Irish Cup when they host Carnegie on Saturday (2pm).

The former Loughborough University student said: “They are a sizeable squad, especially in their pack and we saw that first-hand in the Championship when we played them,” he added.

“Their scrum and maul is very strong, so we need to front-up in that area in order to match them and get an edge in the game to put our backs on the front foot.”

Nick Kennedy gave a raft of Academy prospects game time as Irish topped Pool Three with five wins from their six games, and Elrington said: “It’s given me a chance to put myself up against quality opposition.

“I haven’t played week in, week out but when I do, I try and take my chance.”

He added: “We’ve grown as a team throughout this competition. It’s crucial to keep momentum going during down weeks in the league and that was a goal at the start of the season.”

Elrington also hailed the club’s fans and said their impact has been vital as his side have reached the quarter finals.

He reflected: “As a young player coming through, the support I’ve received has been fantastic and I know my fellow academy colleagues feel the same.

“It motivates us on match-day to do them proud and that will be no different this weekend.”