Fijian international Albert Tuisue is set to make his first start for the club as London Irish travel to Nottingham on Friday night in Round 12 of the Greene King IPA Championship (kick-off 7:45pm).
Fresh from his brace against Richmond, Dave Porecki retains his starting place at hooker. Scotland international Gordan Reid and the explosive Ollie Hoskins accompany Porecki on either side on the front row.
Franco van der Merwe captains the team from the number 4 jersey, combined with Samoan international Teofilo Paulo to make a physical partnership in the second row.
Fijian international Tuisue gets his first start for Irish in the 6 shirt after impressing from the bench against Richmond, while Conor Gilsenan retains his place at openside flanker. Matt Rogerson completes the back row at number 8, offering an explosive ball-carrying option for the Exiles pack.
Ben Meehan and Stephen Myler continue their successful partnership at scrum-half and fly-half respectfully.
Terrence Hepetema comes into the starting line-up at inside centre and last week’s Paddy Irish Whiskey Man of the Match Tom Stephenson will wear the 13 jersey.
Ben Loader and Matt Williams make up an exciting partnership on the wings as the London Irish academy graduates will look to add to their impressive tally of tries for the season.
Italian international Luke McLean adds experience from full-back to complete the Exiles line-up.
London Irish: 15 Luke McLean, 14 Matt Williams, 13 Tom Stephenson, 12 Terrence Hepetema, 11 Ben Loader, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Ben Meehan, 1 Gordon Reid, 2 Dave Porecki, 3 Ollie Hoskins, 4 Franco van der Merwe ©, 5 Teofilo Paulo, 6 Albert Tuisue, 7 Conor Gilsenan, 8 Matt Rogerson.
Replacements: 16 Saia Fainga’a, 17 Patric Cilliers, 18 Josh McNally, 19 Jake Schatz, 20 Scott Steele, 21 Brendan Macken, 22 Alivereti Veitokani
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