Coventry Rugby visit the Madejski Stadium tomorrow for Round 15 of the Greene King IPA Championship as Ian Keatley prepares to make his first appearance in an Exiles shirt (kick-off 2:45pm).
Scotland international Gordon Reid and the in-form Ollie Hoskins continue their partnership either side of the front row, and there is a welcome return from injury for hooker Dave Porecki.
Franco van der Merwe and captain Josh McNally are handed the 4 and 5 jersey’s respectively.
The hard-hitting Albert Tuisue starts from blindside flanker and Samoa international TJ Ioane provides an explosive option from openside flanker. Matt Rogerson completes the back row from the number 8 position.
Brendan McKibbin starts at scrum-half and will form a new partnership with Ireland international Ian Keatley at fly-half in what will be his first appearance for the club after joining on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Terrence Hepetema and Tom Stephenson continue their effective and impactful partnership in the centres.
London Irish Academy graduate Ollie Hassell-Collins and the Exiles all-time leading try scorer Topsy Ojo make up the wings, with Fiji international Alivereti Veitokani starting at fullback.
London Irish: 15 Alivereti Veitokani, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Tom Stephenson, 12 Terrence Hepetema, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 1 Gordon Reid, 2 Dave Porecki, 3 Ollie Hoskins, 4 Franco van der Merwe, 5 Josh McNally ©, 6 Albert Tuisue, 7 TJ Ioane, 8 Matt Rogerson
Replacements: 16 Ollie Adams, 17 Patric Cilliers, 18 Barney Maddison, 19 Jake Schatz, 20 Scott Steele, 21 Jacob Atkins, 22 Brendan Macken
