Date: Fri 13 Apr 2012
Alex Corbisiero will be the youngest London Irish player in the professional era to captain the Exiles when he leads the side out against Saracens at Madejski Stadium tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 3pm).
The England international will be joined in the front row by Faan Rautenbach, who is one of five changes and two positional changes from the side that faced Exeter Chiefs.
Delon Armitage starts in the back three with Sailosi Tagicakibau and Tom Homer. Joe Ansbro moves from outside centre to inside centre where he will be joined by Jonathan Joseph. Matt Garvey moves from the back row to the second row to partner Bryn Evans with Ofisa Treviranus and Richard Thorpe joining Jamie Gibson in the back row.
London Irish head coach Toby Booth said: “It is great to be back playing in front of our home supporters at Madejski Stadium. We have enjoyed a successful week’s training in the lead up to this match and are ready for what is sure to be a tough encounter.”
London Irish team to face Saracens:
15. Tom Homer; 14. Delon Armitage*; 13. Jonathan Joseph; 12. Joe Ansbro*; 11. Sailosi Tagicakibau*; 10. Adrian Jarvis; 9. Darren Allinson; 1.Alex Corbisiero* (Captain); 2. David Paice*; 3. Faan Rautenbach*; 4. Bryn Evans*; 5. Matt Garvey; 6. Jamie Gibson; 7. Richard Thorpe; 8. Ofisa Treviranus*
Replacements: 16. James Buckland; 17. Max Lahiff; 18. Leo Halavatau; 19. Jebb Sinclair*; 20. Alex Gray; 21. Topsy Ojo*; 22. Steve Shingler; 23. Ross Samson
Director of Rugby: Brian Smith; Head Coach: Toby Booth; Attack Coach: Mike Catt; Defence Coach: Justin Bishop
*Denotes Internationals
Saracens team
15 Alex Goode;14 David Strettle;13 Chris Wyles;12 Brad Barritt;11 Michael Tagicakibau;10 Charlie Hodgson; 9 Neil de Kock;1 Rhys Gill; 2 Schalk Brits;
3 Matt Stevens;4 Steve Borthwick (Captain); 5 George Kruis; 6 Jackson Wray; 7 Will Fraser; 8 Ernst Joubert
Replacements: 16 Jamie George; 17 Mako Vunipola; 18 Carlos Nieto;19 Mouritz Botha; 20 Justin Melck; 21 Richard Wigglesworth; 22 Adam Powell; 23 Joel Tomkins
