2 September 2005
Phil Davies has named four of his new signings in the starting line up for the Tykes against London Irish with Chris Jones and Roland De Marigny forming a new partnership in the centres along with Justin Marshall and Gordon Bulloch making their full debuts for Leeds.

The 22 man squad also contains 12 players who played in the Tykes last visit to Twickenham when they won the Powergen Cup against Bath back in April.

There are two new faces on the bench as well with James Isaacson and Nathan Thomas amongst the replacements whilst teenager Danny Care could make his Premiership debut off the bench after two appearances in the European Shield last season.

Iain Balshaw has overcome a facial injury he suffered in the last pre-season game against Edinburgh and will make his first appearance for the Tykes since the Powergen Cup Final at Twickenham.

Chris Bell and Mark McMillan are both unavailable for selection due to injury.

The team in full is:
15. Iain Balshaw
14. Andre Snyman
13. Chris Jones
12. Roland De Marigny
11. Tom Biggs
10. Gordon Ross
9. Justin Marshall

1. James Isaacson
2. Gordon Bulloch
3. Gavin Kerr
4. Stuart Hooper (c)
5. Tom Palmer
6. Scott Morgan
7. Richard Parks
8. Jon Dunbar

16. Michael Cusack
17. Rob Rawlinson
18. Chris Murphy
19. Nathan Thomas
20. Danny Care
21. Tim Stimpson
22. David Doherty

London Irish has announced a strong squad to take on Leeds Tykes in Saturday's opening GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP London Double Header fixture at Twickenham, kick-off 4.20pm.

The squad includes four of the club's summer signings, Olivier Magne and Ben Willis are named at blindside flanker and scrum half respectively, while prop Michael Collins and back row Juan Manuel Leguizamon are on the bench.  Of the remaining 13 players in the starting line-up eight are full internationals. Shane Geraghty, the 18 year old Academy player, who has performed so well in the pre-season trials, is among the replacements.  Mike Catt captains the team for this match.

Commenting on the game, Brian Smith, London Irish's Director of Rugby, said: "Saturday is a big day for all of us and we are looking forward to our first competitive match. While the season will not be determined by the outcome of this game, there are 21 league games and semi-finals to come, we want to perform well on such a special occasion as the Double Header at Twickenham.

"Our form in the pre-season trials has been good.  We are developing in attack and are aware that we have a long way to go.  Our defence has been sound yet we know it will have a stern examination on Saturday.

"Leeds is a strong, physical team and we will face a real battle up front.  We are well prepared and know that we will have to score some tries if we are to win."

Team:
15. Delon Armitage; 14. Scott Staniforth*; 13. Rodd Penney; 12. Mike Catt* (captain); 11. Justin Bishop*; 10. Barry Everitt; 9. Ben Willis; 1. Neal Hatley; 2. Robbie Russell*; 3. Rob Hardwick*; 4. Bob Casey*; 5. Kieran Roche; 6. Olivier Magne*; 7. Kieron Dawson*; 8. Phil Murphy*.
Replacements:
16. Michael Collins; 17. Adrian Flavin; 18. Richard Skuse; 19. Ryan Strudwick; 20. Juan Manuel Leguizamon*; 21. Paul Hodgson; 22. Shane Geraghty.
* Denotes international