London Irish Director of Rugby, Brian Smith, has made five changes to his side to face London Welsh on Boxing Day at the Madejski Stadium in the Aviva Premiership.
The front row of Tom Court, David Paice and Geoff Cross remains unchanged and in the second row Nic Rouse, who returns from injury, joins captain George Skivington.
The back row sees Jebb Sinclair pack down at number eight, with Kieran Low and Blair Cowan on the flanks.
Scott Steele is joined by Chris Noakes in the half backs, with Shane Geraghty moving to inside centre to link up with Fergus Mulchrone in the midfield.
Alex Lewington returns to the starting line-up on the wing, with Topsy Ojo on the other and Tom Homer at fullback.
Harry Allen, Leo Halavatau, Halani Aulika, Dan Leo and Ofisa Treviranus are the forwards replacements, with Eamonn Sheridan and Andrew Fenby joined by Tomás O’Leary, who makes his return from injury, on the bench for the backs.
“We have made a few changes this week,” said Director of Rugby Brian Smith. “The same group of players have featured heavily for the last three weeks and with a shorter week this week we have decided to make some changes.”
“We have also had a few guys return to fitness after injury which gives us some more options. Welsh are a quality side so we will have to turn up on Boxing Day switched on and ready to go.”
London Irish:
1. Tom Court*; 2. David Paice*; 3. Geoff Cross*; 4. George Skivington ©; 5. Nic Rouse; 6. Kieran Low*; 7. Blair Cowan*; 8. Jebb Sinclair*; 9. Scott Steele; 10. Chris Noakes; 11. Alex Lewington; 12. Shane Geraghty*; 13. Fergus Mulchrone; 14. Topsy Ojo*; 15. Tom Homer
Replacements: 16. Harry Allen; 17. Leo Halavatau; 18. Halani Aulika*; 19. Daniel Leo*; 20. Ofisa Treviranus*; 21. Tomas O’Leary*; 22. Eamonn Sheridan; 23. Andrew Fenby
*Denotes international.
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