Toby Booth defiant but odds are against London Irish

Toby Booth is refusing to write off London Irish's chances of making the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup despite losing 25-19 at home to Racing Metro.

A surprise victory against the same opposition in Paris last week suggested Irish could defy the odds and make the last eight. However, a third pool defeat means it is now a massive ask.

Tom Homer kicked four penalties and his conversion of David Paice's last-gasp touchdown gave the Exiles a losing bonus point.

It leaves Irish five points behind the pool's joint leaders Cardiff Blues and Edinburgh with two matches to play. Booth, the director of rugby, said: "I never accept it [failing to qualify] until it is not possible but, if it was hard enough before, then it is hard enough now.

"We've always said how evenly positioned the group is. It has been the nature of this competition and the group and it reminds you that, if you perform at home, the easier it is."

Saracens are in control of their pool thanks to a hard-fought 16-13 win at Ospreys.

Mark McCall, director of rugby, said: "We were determined to do better in Europe after the disappointments of last season and we're on track after a special win."