9th September 2005
Issued on behalf of London Irish
London Irish Director of Rugby Brian Smith believes that great courage and conviction will be needed by his players if they are to record a victory over Worcester Warriors in Sunday's GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP match at Madejski Stadium. The club's first home match of the season kicks-off at 3.00pm.
"We want to prove that we can compete in the top half of the Premiership and that challenge continues on Sunday afternoon. Another physical contest awaits the team. The Worcester pack look to be very well prepared and they'll take some stopping. They put in a great effort last weekend against Gloucester. We will have to play with persistence and patience to post a victory."
"It was pleasing to see all the hard work the players have put in during pre-season come together last Saturday at Twickenham to produce a very good victory over a strong Leeds team", Brian Smith continued. "The credit for the result has to be given to the 22 players in the match squad. They showed great determination to deliver a terrific performance and capture an elusive bonus point."
The starting line-up for Sunday's game is unchanged from that which played against Leeds Tykes at Twickenham. There is one change on the bench where Paul Gustard takes over from Juan Manuel Leguizamon. This means home debuts for Olivier Magne and Ben Willis who are named at blindside flanker and scrum half respectively, new prop Michael Collins is on the bench. Mike Catt continues as captain.
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. Paul Gustard; 21. Paul Hodgson; 22. Shane Geraghty.
* Denotes international
Director of Rugby: Brian Smith
Forwards Coach: Toby Booth
Worcester Warriors have named an unchanged team from the 22 that drew against Gloucester in the opening round of the GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP, for their trip to London Irish on Sunday 11th September (kick-off 3pm).
Winger Jonny Hylton who made his premiership debut in the opening round has retained his place for Sunday's tie, while lock, Tim Collier, who came off with a rib injury against Gloucester is fit to start.
Former London Irish player, James Brown, who scored all Worcester's points last weekend, will keep his number 10 shirt ahead of the Warrior's summer signing, Shane Drahm.
John Brain, Worcester's director of rugby is expecting a touch, physical encounter against a London Irish side, buoyant from their opening day victory against Leeds Tykes.
"Both Anthony Eddy and myself have decided to name an unchanged side as we are keen to establish a settled unit. We have some experienced replacement players who came on against Gloucester and put in a good performance and there is opportunity for others to come in when necessary and when they warrant it"
Worcester Warriors team to face London Irish:
15. Thinus Delport
14. Jonny Hylton
13. Dale Rasmussen
12. Thomas Lombard
11. Ben Hinshelwood
10. James Brown
9. Matt Powell
8. Drew Hickey
7. Pat Sanderson (Captain)
6. Siaosi Vaili
5. Craig Gillies
4. Tim Collier
3. Chris Horsman
2. Andre Van Niekerk
1. Tony Windo
Replacements:
16. Tevita Taumoepeau
17. Chris Fortey
18. Phil Murphy
19. Kai Horstmann
20. Nick Runciman
21. Shane Drahm
22. Nicolas Le Roux
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