Mike Catt returns to the London Irish team for tomorrow’s Guinness Premiership match with Bath Rugby at the Recreation Ground (kick-off 2.15pm).
The England international has recovered from the nose injury he suffered against Gloucester earlier this month to return to the city where he spent so much of his distinguished career. The 36-year-old, who starts at inside centre, is partnered on the outside by Samoan international, Seilala Mapusua who switches midfield roles.
Now that the Six Nations tournament is over normal Guinness Premiership rules apply and that means that clubs are allowed to have only one foreign player on the pitch at any time. This means that Peter Hewat cannot play at full back given that Clarke Dermody is starting in the front row. As a result Topsy Ojo switches to full back and Tomas De Vedia comes in on the right wing. Paul Hodgson returns from duty with England to start at scrum half.
In the pack there is one personnel and one positional change from last Sunday’s game with London Wasps. Declan Danaher switches with Steffon Armitage from openside to blindside flanker with Richard Thorpe taking over from Juan Leguizamon at No 8. Bob Casey captains the team.
“The outcome of our last two matches has been disappointing and has been a setback for our hopes of a top four finish,” said Brian Smith, London Irish Director of Rugby. “We believe we still have a chance of making the play-offs and are going to have a crack at it. That means winning five out of six games which we're capable of.
"Bath are among the in-form teams in the league at present and are playing good rugby. Olly Barkey and Shaun Berne are good players that are managing games in a clever way behind a strong pack that provides tough opposition especially at the Rec. We will have to produce an outstanding performance to stop them running the show if we are to have a chance of coming away with any points,” Smith concluded.
Team:
15. Topsy Ojo; 14. Tomas De Vedia*; 13. Seilala Mapusua *; 12. Mike Catt*; 11. Sailosi Tagicakibau*; 10. Eoghan Hickey; 9. Paul Hodgson*; 1. Clarke Dermody*; 2. David Paice, 3. Faan Rautenbach*; 4. Nick Kennedy; 5. Bob Casey* (captain); 6. Declan Danaher; 7. Steffon Armitage; 8. Richard Thorpe.
Replacements:
16. Tonga Lea’aetoa*; 17. Stuart Mackie; 18. Gary Johnson; 19. Phil Murphy*; 20. Gonzalo Tiesi*; 21. Warren Fury; 22. Ross Broadfoot.
* Denotes international
Director of Rugby: Brian Smith; Forwards Coach: Toby Booth; Backs Coach: Mike Catt.
There will be live match commentary from the Recreation Ground by Graham McKechnie of BBC Radio Berkshire on the London Irish website at www.london-irish.com.