15 February 2019
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
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