London Irish v Saracens preview

Published: Friday, 8. February, 2013 in category London Irish
Ian Humphreys: Back to bolster London Irish

Scott Lawson, George Skivington and Ian Humphreys are all back for London Irish as they prepare to face Saracens in the Aviva Premiership.

Lawson will be joined at the Madejski Stadium by Max Lahiff and Halani Aulika in the front row; George Skivington partners Bryn Evans in the second row, the New Zealander will also captain the side, while Ian Humphreys and Pat Phibbs will form the half-back pairing.

"It's great that we will be back playing at Madejski in front of our home crowd in such a big game," stated London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith.

"Saracens are a formidable team in the Aviva Premiership and Europe and they'll give us a thorough examination. In saying that, we don't fear any team in this league and the boys are itching to put in a big performance and hopefully get the result as well."Match ball

Meanwhile, Saracens will be looking to extend a formidable winning run that stretches back eight games in all competitions.

The Londoners are able to count on the services of David Strettle, Will Fraser, George Kruis, Duncan Taylor and Joel Tomkins after international duty and all five start against the Exiles.

Steve Borthwick is also back to captain the side and forms a second-row partnership with Alistair Hargreaves, while Neil de Kock, Matt Stevens and John Smit return to the starting line-up.

Alex Goode, Chris Ashton, Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell, Mako Vunipola and Kelly Brown miss the game as they are still away with their national sides.

London Irish: 15 Tom Homer, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Guy Armitage, 11 Marland Yarde, 10 Ian Humphreys, 9 Pat Phibbs, 8 Chris Hala'ufia 7 Jebb Sinclair, 6 Matt Garvey, 5 Bryn Evans (Captain), 4 George Skivington, 3 Halani Aulika, 2 Scott Lawson, 1 Max Lahiff.

Replacements: 16 Mike Mayhew, 17 Jerry Yanuyanutawa, 18Leo Halavatau, 19 Jamie Gibson, 20 Ofisa Treviranus, 21 Steven Shingler, 22 Shane Geraghty, 23 Jack Moates.

Saracens: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Joe Maddock, 13 Joel Tomkins, 12 Duncan Taylor, 11 David Strettle, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Will Fraser, 6 George Kruis, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Matt Stevens, 2 John Smit, 1 Nick Auterac.

Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Petrus du Plessis, 19 Mouritz Botha, 20 Jackson Wray, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Nils Mordt, 23 James Short.