Flyers return to face Leinster
Two of the most exciting wings in England return to action for London Irish just in time for their must-win Heineken Cup, Pool Six clash with Leinster at Twickenham.
Topsy Ojo and Sailosi Tagicakibau have been selected on the right and left wings respectively.
England international Ojo will be making his first appearance of the season while Samoan and Pacific Islands international, Tagicakibau returns having recovered from the foot injury he suffered in the Autumn internationals.
The wingers are two of the three changes the Exiles make to the team that started against Scarlets last weekend; the other change sees Chris Malone at fly half.
There are no changes to the forwards. Steffon Armitage, who made his 100th senior appearance for the club last Sunday, will lead the team out at Twickenham. Bob Casey, captains the team against the province for whom he played before joining the Exiles.
“We’re relishing the challenge of playing Leinster tomorrow,” said London Irish Head Coach Toby Booth. “Wherever you look on their team sheet you see the names of great players with both experience and ability.
“Performing on the big stage that is Twickenham is something our players are used to. In the last two years we’ve played there in two London Double Headers, a semi-final of the Heineken Cup and a Guinness Premiership Final. That cumulative experience matters when it comes to important matches like tomorrow evening’s. Our players have prepared well in training this week and are looking forward to the match.”
Leinster’s Leo Cullen meanwhile will make his 50th Leinster appearance in the Heineken Cup when he leads them out on Saturday.
In all there are two changes to the side that defeated Brive 27-10 last weekend, with Bernard Jackman coming into the front-row alongside CJ van der Linde. Cian Healy completes the front-row.
Eoin Reddan partners Jonathan Sexton at half-back, with Gordon D’Arcy lining up alongside Brian O’Driscoll at centre. Sean O’Brien is one of four Ireland internationals on the replacements bench.
The teams:
London Irish: 15 Delon Armitage, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Elvis Seveali’i, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 10 Chris Malone, 9 Paul Hodgson, 8 Chris Hala’Ufia, 7 Steffon Armitage, 6 Richard Thorpe, 5 Bob Casey, 4 Nick Kennedy, 3 Faan Rautenbach, 2 David Paice, 1 Clarke Dermody.
Replacements: 16 James Buckland, 17 Dan Murphy, 18 Paulica Ion, 19 Gary Johnson, 20 Kieran Roche, 21 Peter Hewat, 22 Peter Richards, 23 Ryan Lamb,
Leinster: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O’Driscoll, 12 Gordon D’Arcy, 11 Isa Nacewa, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip , 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Nathan Hines, 4 Leo Cullen (captain), 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 Bernard Jackman, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 John Fogarty, 17 Mike Ross, 18 Stan Wright, 19 Malcolm O’Kelly, 20 Sean O’Brien, 21 Paul O’Donohoe, 22 Shaun Berne, 23 Girvan Dempsey.
Date: Saturday, January 23
Venue: Twickenham
Time: 18.00 GMT
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
