Where once euphoria would have raged unchecked and the celebrations last for days there is nothing but the measured tones of professionalism as London Irish duo, captain Conor O'Shea and Niall Woods reflect upon the merits of a 328 victory over Northampton at Franklin's Gardens on Tuesday night.
It is the club's sixth win in the last seven league matches, prevailing against Bedford, London Scottish, Harlequins, Richmond, Newcastle and Northampton.
The spectacular rise from the bowels of the English Premiership to a lofty position four points adrift of pacesetters Leicester constitutes a huge improvement yet the players remain wary of new found acclamation.
O'Shea pointed out: "We don't feel that we have achieved anything yet. The results have been very good but tangibly we have won nothing and there is still a long way to go this season. Back slapping to back stabbing is a short journey."
Despite O'Shea's reticence to embrace the plaudits of recent successes he does acknowledge that the team is beginning to marry effective rugby with entertaining fare. "We were under the cosh against Northampton for long periods, the penalty count was 24-5 against us, yet we capitalised ruthlessly on turnovers, scoring from way out."
The player who profited most was left wing Niall Woods, providing the perfect riposte to his enforced stay on the replacements bench in recent weeks, by racing over for four tries in a 27 point personal haul. He even provided house-mate Nick Burrows with the scoring pass for London Irish's fifth try. "I initially had a bit of a hamstring injury but in essence I have been on the bench for the last three matches because Jarrod Cunningham has played very well.
"I suppose you could say that I took my chance but the tries were down to an awesome defensive display by the team. Two of the tries were very straightforward, one took a little bit of work while the other posed a greater degree of difficulty: but that's my job and what I enjoy best."
The 27 point tally is not the most that Woods has amassed. "No I managed 32 against Harlequins - still a record in the league - last year and I think I played better that day. Against Northampton we all made our tackles and the chances just happened to fall to me. Dick Best made eight changes from the side that beat Newcastle on Saturday for the trip to Franklin's Gardens so the competition for places is fierce."
On a personal level Woods is happy to concentrate on his club rugby and has long since exorcised the disappointment of Ireland A's defeat by South Africa in Ravenhill before Christmas, an occasion that once again prompted brickbats rather than bouquets. "I thought I did fine in the first half, kicked well made a few tackles, yet didn't receive a decent pass. But that mistake on the touch-line in the second half was a shocker.
"I've never done anything like that before, failing to get a connection on the ball. It was so embarrassing." For those who questioned his defensive frailty it was further ammunition, Woods remains philosophical. "I am just concentrating on playing well at the club and hope that I will be given another opportunity."
His immediate concern centres on securing a place in the cup tie against Bristol on Sunday. "It's a difficult trip. They have been winning well in the second division under Bob Dwyer and Jack Rowell and I see that Dean Ryan has left Newcastle to join them. I will know later today whether I'll make that game."
Strong competition for places, an excellent esprit de corps and confidence borne of success, London Irish's momentum shows no sign of slackening.
