London Irish 2013/14 Discussion Thread

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 6 Jul 2013 - 8:06

First topic message reminder :

Welcome to the new seasons London Irish discussion thread. This is where you can talk about all tings Leprechaun

London Irish, good or bad, and it's always good to get the views of supporters of other clubs.

So here are this seasons senior and academy squads (Full internationals in bold).

Senior Squad (38)

HK David Paice (England)
HK Jimmy Stevens (England)
HK Michael Mayhew (New Zealand/England)

PR John Yapp (Wales)
PR Jonny Harris (England)
PR Matt Parr (England)
PR Leo Halavatua (Tonga)
PR Halani Aulika (Tonga) (injured)
PR Jamie Hagan (Ireland)
PR CJ van der Linde (South Africa) (injured - returned to South Africa)

LK George Skivington (England)
LK Bryn Evans (New Zealand)
LK Nic Rouse (England)
LK Kieran Low (Scotland)
LK Ian Gough(Wales)

FL Declan Danaher (England)
FL Jebb Sinclair (Canada)
FL Ofisa Treviranus (Samoa)
FL Blair Cowan (Scotland)

N8 Chris Hala'ufia (Tonga)
N8 Jon Fisher (England) (injured)

SH Tomas O'Leary (Ireland) (suspended)
SH Pat Phibbs (Australia) (injured)
SH Darren Allinson (Wales)

FH Ian Humphreys (Ireland)
FH Shane Geraghty (England)
FH Myles Dorrian (Australia/England)

CE Setaimata Sa (Samoa) (injured)
CE Guy Armitage (England) (injured)
CE Eamonn Sheridan (England/Ireland)
CE Fergus Mulchrone (England/Ireland) (injured)

WG Marland Yarde (England)
WG Topsy Ojo (England)
WG Sailosi Tagicakibau (Samoa) (on loan to the Stormers)
WG Andrew Fenby (Wales)
WG Alex Lewington (England)

FB Tom Homer (England) (injured)
CE James O'Connor (Australia)

Academy Squad (12)

HK Gerard Ellis (England)
HK Justin Oro-Campos (England)

PR Tom Smallbone (England)
PR Richard Palframan (South Africa)

LK Scott Moore (England)
LK Charlie Davey (England)

FL Danny Kenny (Ireland)

SH Ed Hoadley (England)

CE Ian Cross (Ireland)

WG Tom Fowlie (England)
WG George Owen (England)

Preview

My first thought looking at the squad is that we are light on both numbers and a a bit of quality up front. We have two thirds of a decent front row with Paice and Aulika, but we are missing a proven senior loosehead, and that could be a problem for us going through the season. The second row is similar, with Skivs and Bryn the only proven performers. In the back row, much will rest on Big Trev and The Hoff in terms of carrying and providing power.

In the backs I am reasonably happy. TOL and iHumph looked good together before TOL got injured, and in the centre I am looking forward to seeing Sa and Armitage paired together. They are two big, physical guys, but they also have good hands. In the back three we have options, not least Marland Yarde who is looking every inch a test class winger. It would appear though looking at the make up of the squad, that we are likely to see Losi more in the centre than on the wing.

The academy looks decent with potential, and all are likely to get LV game time, with some also seeing action in the Amlin, given the noises coming out of the club from Brian Smith.

The reality is that there are no big names in the squad, and a lot of new faces, which means they will need to gel quickly if we are to get anywhere this season. A lot of people have us down to finish bottom, and I can see the reasons why, however with my optimist head on, and my supporters heart I would saythis.

All of the players we now have, are there because they want to be. The ones that remain from before have chosen to do so, and have obviously bought into Brian Smith's philosophy. we also have a number of guys who for a variety of reasons will be keen to prove themselves. The three lads from Tigers come with an excellent grounding and a desire to show that they can play at this level. If the whole squad can knit together and have a point to prove, we could well prove to be a side that is more than the sum of it's parts. Injuries will be crucial as ever, and we cannot afford to lose key players for extended periods.

I suspect we will be in the relegation scrap, but I am backing us to stay up. Either way, one thing is sure and will always be true, and that's the fact that I'd rather be a paddy than a Quin.

Ozzy's prediction: 10th

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by **Ozzy3213** Thu 22 Aug 2013 - 11:10

gcBlues wrote:don't listen to P.R people. Being a blues fan, i wanted Yapp to stay as he's a decent option at the loose. He was messed around by the blues and wales trying to make him a tight head and took a while for him to come back from that. Good tackler, will carry the ball and can hold his end of the bargain at the scrum.

I don't tend to take much notice of the planet rugby forum to be honest, there seem to be a fair amount of bitter individuals with nothing good to say about any player, who post on there.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 22 Aug 2013 - 11:49

Yapp only needs to stay solid. The LI pack isn't big enough to dominate so all that is required is for him to hold his own long enough for the ball to reach his backs on his own ball and to not concede penalties on opposition ball. He should be able to manage that and keep up in the loose. Good signing.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 23 Aug 2013 - 9:44

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/rugby-news/tomas-oleary-set-make-comeback-5775812

Tomas O'Leary back from injury, Blair Cowan still injured, squad have had a sickness bug and it appears the intention to experiment with Halani Aulika on the loosehead side has been scrapped.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 23 Aug 2013 - 10:01

Teams up to face Wasps...

http://london-irish.com/news/Irish91874.ink

by maestegmafia Fri 23 Aug 2013 - 11:52

Just saw this...!

Wales prop John Yapp joins London Irish

London Irish have announced the season-long loan signing of Edinburgh Rugby prop John Yapp.
Welshman Yapp, 31, has won 21 caps for Wales and was in their 2005 Grand Slam-winning squad.
The loosehead made more than 100 appearances for Cardiff Blues before signing for Edinburgh, for whom he made 23 appearances last season.
"His power, knowledge and tenacity will really strengthen our front row," said Exiles director of rugby Brian Smith.
Yapp had signed a two-year contract with the Scottish club last summer.
Edinburgh managing director David Davies added: "I'd like to thank John Yapp for this commitment to the club last season.
"He's been a great guy to have around and we wish him and his family all the best."

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 23 Aug 2013 - 11:52

Any thoughts on him maes?

by Heaf Fri 23 Aug 2013 - 16:59

Ozzy3213 wrote:Teams up to face Wasps...

http://london-irish.com/news/Irish91874.ink

That's a big bench ...

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 24 Aug 2013 - 10:39

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/rugby-transfer-news/london-irish-seek-cover-injured-5777453

Smiffy looking to add another hooker to cover for Mayhew's injury.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 24 Aug 2013 - 11:15

4 to 6 weeks out for Mayhew and they don't trust Paice plus one of the two youngsters. Stevens was described as "electric" by Smith in that article. I don't see the rush in grabbing another hooker on a short term deal. With Mayhew only out for a month/month and a half they should be ok. Give the younger guys a chance.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 24 Aug 2013 - 14:47

I would agree Sam. Ellis looks a beast and either him or Stevens off the bench with Paice starting is pretty decent in my opinion.

by beshocked Tue 27 Aug 2013 - 9:30

What team do you think will start in the London double header?

Any particular injury worries?

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 27 Aug 2013 - 12:58

Injury wise we will definitely be without Mayhew and Sa, and Homer doesn't look after getting injured on Saturday.

Treviranus, Hala'ufia, Cowan and Humphreys are yet to appear in pre season, which is a worry, as all four of them would be in our first choice XV I think.

We'll have a better idea of who the starting XV will be at the LDH after this weeks game against Munster.

by stnick88 Tue 27 Aug 2013 - 14:36

I'm pretty sure Trev and Hoff are fit and will play v Munster. iHumph was supposedto start v Wasps but got a knock in training the day before. Hopefully he will be back for Munster or at least the LDH. Cowan is 50/50 as to whether he will be fit.

I reckon side for LDH will be...

1 Parr
2 Paice
3 Aulika
4 Skivington
5 Evans
6 Fisher
7 Treviranus
8 Hala'ufia
9 O'Leary
10 Humphries
11 Tagicakibau
12 Geraghty
13 Armitage
14 Yarde
15 Mulchrone / Fenby

16 Harris
17 Stevens
18 Hagan
19 Rouse
20 Danaher
21 Phibbs
22 Dorian
23 Ojo

by **Ozzy3213** Tue 27 Aug 2013 - 16:12

I wouldn't be surprised to see Smiffy start Topsy at full back in the absence of Homer. Likewise he seems to be keen on Sheridan at 12 in Sa's absence.

by stnick88 Tue 27 Aug 2013 - 16:59

The side he names v Munster may gives us some clues as to who will start.

I'd like to see Geraghty start and us go for it and be more attacking. But can see reasons for starting Sheridan as he is a big lump and has looked decent enough in pre season

by **Ozzy3213** Wed 28 Aug 2013 - 19:18

Homer confirmed out for the start of the season, possibly longer.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 2 Sep 2013 - 13:17

Excited, but nervous now for the double header.

On paper Saracens should hump us, fortunately rugby's not played on paper, and if we can frontup and guts it out against them, I know we have the backs to score tries.

COME ON YOU IRISSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

by stnick88 Mon 2 Sep 2013 - 15:51

i cannot wait to get to Twickenham on Saturday.

Definitely some interesting selections call to be made.

Loosehead - Parr or Hala'vatu
Blindside - Fisher, Low or Danaher (assuming Cowan isnt fit)
Number 8 - Fisher or Hala'ufia
Inside centre - Geraghty or Sheridan
Wings - Yarde has a spot nailed on I think so its between Tagi and Fenby for the other
FB - Ojo, Fenby, Mulchrone

Personally I'd go

1 Parr
2 Paice
3 Aulika
4 Skivington
5 Evans
6 Fisher
7 Treviranus
8 Hala'ufia
9 O'Leary
10 Humphries
11 Yarde
12 Geraghty
13 Armitage
14 Tagicakibau
15 Fenby

16 Hala'vatu
17 Stevens
18 Hagan
19 Rouse
20 Cowan
21 Danaher
22 Phibbs
23 Ojo

But I think Low and Sheridan are in with a shout of starting.

by **George Carlin** Mon 2 Sep 2013 - 16:15

Fenby was such an awesome signing - the guy's a rifleman.

by SirBurger Mon 2 Sep 2013 - 23:54

I think Hagan, Cowan and Sa will be out. I hope Ellis gets a run as he has sounded impressive. I think it will be:

Halavatau
Paice
Aulika
Skivington
Evans
Low
Treviranus
Fisher

O'Leary
Humphreys
Tagicakibau
Sheridan
Armitage
Yarde
Ojo

Subs: Ellis, Parr, Palframan, Sinclair, Hala'Ufia, Phibbs, Geraghty, Fenby

by Irish Londoner Tue 3 Sep 2013 - 9:50

I think we have to write off the game V Saracens, a LBP being the best we can expect to get out of that and concentrate on picking up wins on the other bottom half sides, with anything picked up V the top six a bonus - to a certain extent if we beat Sale and Newcastle home and away that may be enough to guarantee safety, assuming they struggle in the same way LI are likely to.

by **Ozzy3213** Wed 4 Sep 2013 - 10:20

I couldn't disagree with that more IL. Winning and losing are habits, and to simply write of the game vs. Saracens is not the sort of culture we need within the squad. We need to go out and throw the kitchen sink at them this week. We need to re-establish our identity and how we want to play.

Tom Homer being injured could turn out to be a blessing in disguise, as we have now got to look for tries rather than get into a battle off the tee. We need to go out and have a go at them and set ourselves up for the season ahead. We have Worcester away the following week, and whatever the result on Saturday, we need to go there knowing that we gave it everything, and in a positive frame of mind.

by stnick88 Wed 4 Sep 2013 - 10:52

spot on mate.

there is no reason why we cant go out and beat them. we did it 3 years ago, the season Sarries went on and won the league.

id like us to have a go and use our pace and strong runners. dont try and get in to an arm wrestle with them. if we get some quick ball then o'leary and iHumph are more than capable of getting our back line moving. just need to get some parity in the set piece and at the breakdown. our defence will need to be on top form.

by **Ozzy3213** Sun 8 Sep 2013 - 9:18

AP Round One

London Irish 20 Saracens 42

London Irish Report

Saracens Report

BBC Report

Telegraph Report

Mail Report

Guardian Report

My own view on the game was that our main downfall was that we were dominated in the collisions and our accuracy at the breakdown was poor.

What pleased me was that for the most part our scrum went well, and we actually showed some attacking intent rather than just kicking the leather off it, which has been all to commonplace over the past couple of seasons. Topsy and Marland were a real threat all day, and Kieran Low and Jon Fisher worked their backsides off against a physically dominant Saracens pack. We missed Skivington, as much for his leadership and experience as anything else. Overall, disappointed with the result, but plenty there to build on for us.

Massive game next Saturday now down at Sixways.

Leprechaun

COME ON YOU IRISH Leprechaun

by yappysnap Sun 8 Sep 2013 - 10:35

From what I saw at the game you guys played well and had a lot of parity with Saracens. Your biggest issue though seemed to be handling errors, just far too many being made as soon as space opened up for you. That and conceding pens straight after scoring.

Saracens on the other hand didn't construct too much themselves, but just took any points on offer when they came.

by Portnoy's Complaint Sun 8 Sep 2013 - 12:39

I thought that both the Yarde and the Ashton tries should have been disallowed. But LI look like a team in trouble with only two or three class players and no half-backs to speak of. I smell a team in a financial mess* whose future might well be as a Rabo (or whatever) Irish fifth enclave.

* meltdown?

by stnick88 Sun 8 Sep 2013 - 14:18

No half backs to speak of? Are you mad? Tomas o leary is one of the best 9s in the league and not so long ago one of the best in europe.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 16 Sep 2013 - 7:58

AP Round Two

Worcester Warriors 18 London Irish 20

London Irish Report

Worcester Warriors Report

BBC Report

Telegraph Report

Guardian Report

I know it's early days, but here is a comparison with where we were at this time last season. We are 4 match points better off, have scored 6 more points and conceded 20 fewer. We've also scored 1 more try and conceded one less. For my money, we look a more cohesive unit. I am sure we will still have to scrap this year, but I am pleased with what I have seen so far. Some of our new guys from the Championship have not looked out of place, and Eamon Sheridan has looked very at home at this level in the 12 jersey.

Season	POS	Aviva Premiership	PLAYED	WON	DREW	LOST	P F	P A	P D	T F	T A	TBP	LBP	PTS
12/13	11	London Irish	2	0	0	2	34	80	-46	3	7	0	0	0



13/14	7	London Irish	2	1	0	1	40	60	-20	4	6	0	0	4

by stnick88 Mon 16 Sep 2013 - 9:44

It's nice to see us battling back against Worc. Last season after going 10-3 down early on I reckon we would of ended up getting a battering. its good to see us battling back and getting a vital win. i think that will give us a lot of of confidence and i expect us to beat exeter at home on saturday. cant wait to get back to the mad stad. will be a tough game but think as long as we get parity upfront, which we should do, the backline can do the rest. Be good to see Sa on the bench and Skivington back hopefully.

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 16 Sep 2013 - 9:49

Hopefully we've not picked up any fresh injuries on Saturday. I saw that Hala'ufia wa wearing a knee brace after game. Really we need him fit and on the pitch against the Chiefs as they are a pretty physical side and we need to match them in that area. Will be good to have Kieran Low back, and also Skivs and Sa if they are available. Good for Smiffy to have choices on who to select unlike last year when we barely had 23 fit players for long spells int he season.

by stnick88 Tue 24 Sep 2013 - 12:03

Not 100% sure on availability, but from who I think is now fit I would like to see v Bath...

1 Parr
2 Paice
3 Hagan
4 Skivington
5 Gough
6 Evans
7 Treviranus
8 Cowan
9 O'Leary
10 Humphries
11 Yarde
12 Sheridan
13 Tagicakibau
14 Fenby
15 Lewington

16 Yapp
17 Stevens
18 Hala'vatu
19 Nimmo
20 Danaher
21 Allinson
22 Geraghty
23 Mulchrone

I'm assuming Ojo will be out. I think Sinclair will be out for a couple of weeks. If Low is fit then I'd have him on the bench over Danaher.

Will be a tough game, a lot of Baths best players only played for half hour or so v Saracens at the weekend and after losing will be well up for this game.

Would absolutely love to surprise them and everyone with a win but can't see it unfortunately. Just important that we compete and make it a tough game and don't roll over and get battered.

by **Ozzy3213** Sun 6 Oct 2013 - 1:17

Ok, so comparing where we were at this stage last year, we are looking like this….

Season	POS	Aviva Premiership	PLAYED	WON	DREW	LOST	P F	P A	P D	T F	T A	TBP	LBP	PTS
12/13	11	London Irish	5	1	0	4	88	180	-92	7	16	0	0	4



13/14	8	London Irish	5	2	0	3	99	135	-36	10	14	0	1	9

We are 3 places higher in the table, with 5 more league points. We have scored 11 more points and 3 more tries, whilst conceding 45 points and 2 tries less. Obviously, we have played a different 5 teams in our opening matches this year, so here is comparison with games against the same opposition last year...

Season	POS	Aviva Premiership	PLAYED	WON	DREW	LOST	P F	P A	P D	T F	T A	TBP	LBP	PTS
12/13	-	London Irish	5	1	0	4	107	125	-18	7	14	0	2	6



13/14	-	London Irish	5	2	0	3	99	135	-36	10	14	0	1	9

Effectively we are 1 win better off, and 3 league points better off this season. We have scored 3 more tries and conceded the same amount.

After todays win over Quins I have to say I am optimistic going forward. It was like watching a different team out there, as if something had really clicked with them. There was a real togetherness that was evident, and a desire to put their bodies on the line in defence. If we can replicate that through the season, we will be tough to beat at home, and pick up points away, which should see us safe.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 10 Oct 2013 - 5:56

Good to see us get some exposure on Rugby Tonight last night. Topsy clearly hits harder than I thought he would as he's now topping their tacklebag competition.

by Irish Londoner Thu 10 Oct 2013 - 8:35

I thought Topsy came over very well, as did the rest of the players featured, good turnout of LI fans in the studio as well, the Bonkers Bishop well to the fore and the Bible Code Sundays playing.

I don't have BT so last night so that was the first time I've seen the programme, I thought it was quite good and very different to Rugby Club on Sky, maybe a bit too long at an hour and a half though.

by **profitius** Thu 10 Oct 2013 - 11:00

How is Eamonn Sheridan playing?

by stnick88 Thu 10 Oct 2013 - 11:30

Sheridan has been excellent. His defence is superb, runs hard and has a good offload.

by **profitius** Thu 10 Oct 2013 - 11:34

stnick88 wrote:Sheridan has been excellent. His defence is superb, runs hard and has a good offload.

Cheers! Just wanted to know because he left Leinster mainly because of being injured all the time.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 10 Oct 2013 - 16:03

Sheridan has arguably been our man of the season so far. Excellent in defence and a real focal point in attack. Very shrewd bit of business by Brian Smith to bring him in.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 10 Oct 2013 - 16:43

Irish name side to face I Cavalieri Prato

London Irish Club Captain, Declan Danaher, returns to the Exiles starting line-up for tomorrow evening’s round one Amlin Cup tie against I Cavalieri Prato at Madejski Stadium (kick-off 8pm).

John Yapp, Jimmy Stevens and Jamie Hagan make up the front row with Nic Rouse and Bryn Evans forming the second row partnership. Blair Cowan, Jebb Sinclair and Declan Danaher make up the back row. Danaher will captain the side.

Myles Dorrian and Darren Allinson make their first competitive starts this season in the halves with Sailosi Tagicakibau and Fergus Mulchrone in the centre. Andrew Fenby, Tom Fowlie and Alex Lewington make up the back three.

Brian Smith, Exiles Director of Rugby said: “We have rotated the squad this week to allow our squad players a chance to show what they can do. I Cavalieri Prato will be very passionate tomorrow night and will come to the Madejski looking to cause an upset so we have prepared accordingly for that.”

London Irish team to face I Cavalieri Prato:

15. Alex Lewington; 14. Tom Fowlie; 13.Fergus Mulchrone; 12. Sailosi Tagicakibau*; 11. Andrew Fenby; 10. Myles Dorrian; 9. Darren Allinson; 1. John Yapp*; 2. Jimmy Stevens; 3. Jamie Hagan*; 4. Nic Rouse; 5. Bryn Evans*; 6. Declan Danaher (Captain); 7. Jebb Sinclair*; 8. Blair Cowan

Replacements: 16. Richard Palframan; 17. Jonny Harris; 18. Leo Halavatau; 19. George Skivington; 20. Ofisa Treviranus*; 21. Topsy Ojo* 22. Shane Geraghty*; 23. Tomás O’Leary*

Great to see Tom Fowlie get a start, this kid looks as if he could be seriously good. Interesting that Palframan, who was signed as a tighthead, is covering hooker from the bench.

by SirBurger Thu 10 Oct 2013 - 17:02

Ozzy3213 wrote:

Interesting that Palframan, who was signed as a tighthead, is covering hooker from the bench.

I believe that he did this once last season as well. However, considering the respective game time had by members of our front row, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the plan is for Stevens to play a full 80 and Palframan to come on at tighthead, with Leo remaining unused. I suspect this may be the case and Palframan will only play hooker if completely essential.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu 10 Oct 2013 - 17:10

I suspect you are right there SirBurger. Leo is there purely as a 'break glass in case of emergency option' I would imagine. I suspect that Big Trev and TOL fall into that category as well. I am not expecting to see a wholesale bench emptying during this game.

by **Ozzy3213** Sun 13 Oct 2013 - 12:00

So a decent enough win Friday night, matching the 9 tries that Stade scored against Lusitanos the night before. Positives of game time for Harris and Stevens in the front row, and a first senior start for young Tom Fowlie.

I would imagine a routine win next weekend in Portugal whoever we stick out, but it will be interesting to see what sort of side Smiffy goes with, as there are probably one or two that he might want to get battle hardened for the trip to Newcastle the following week.

by SirBurger Sun 13 Oct 2013 - 21:40

Ozzy3213 wrote:So a decent enough win Friday night, matching the 9 tries that Stade scored against Lusitanos the night before. Positives of game time for Harris and Stevens in the front row, and a first senior start for young Tom Fowlie.

I would imagine a routine win next weekend in Portugal whoever we stick out, but it will be interesting to see what sort of side Smiffy goes with, as there are probably one or two that he might want to get battle hardened for the trip to Newcastle the following week.

Fowlie was impressive. He didn't do anything outstanding, but he is physical and can beat players. I hope we get him signed up on a long term deal. He could be an outstanding centre.

PS. I was wrong about Palframan:doh: . He ended up coming on at hooker for Stevens, although I wonder if that was partially because of Leo's yellow card, meaning that he got a bit of a break anyway.

My main hope for Lusitanos is that Sa gets a game!

by **Ozzy3213** Mon 14 Oct 2013 - 12:10

Yeah, would be good for Sa to play some part, even if only off the bench. I am wondering if we may see him at 13 alongside Sheridan at 12, given how well the Irishman has started the season.

by stnick88 Mon 14 Oct 2013 - 12:50

I met Eamon Sheridan for the first time out in Clapham on Saturday night. was a nice chap. He was out with Guy and Palframan. Yarde was also out too but with Luke Wallace and Sinckler. Outrageous behaviour mixing with the Quins boys!

This week I'd go

1 Parr
2 Stevens
3 Hagan
4 Skivington
5 Evans
6 Sinclair
7 Danaher
8 Fisher - If not fit, Cowan.
9 Allinson
10 Dorrian
11 Fowlie
12 Sheridan
13 Tagicakibau
14 Lewington
15 Ojo

I'd be looking to play Sheridan, Skiv, Sinclair, Cowan, Ojo, Lewington around an hour max just to get them game time before Falcons next week.

Whatever the team is, people who didnt play at all on Friday should get some game time if only off the bench.

12 Sheridan
13 Tagicakibau

is a combo I'd like to see tested.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 18 Oct 2013 - 12:24

Marland Yarde and Jamie Hagan have returned to the London Irish side for tomorrow afternoon’s Amlin Challenge Cup fixture against Lusitanos XV (kick-off 3pm).

John Yapp, Jimmy Stevens and Jamie Hagan make up the front row with Nic Rouse and Bryn Evans forming the second row partnership. Blair Cowan, Jebb Sinclair and Declan Danaher make up the back row. Danaher will captain the side.

Myles Dorrian and Darren Allinson continue in the halves with Sailosi Tagicakibau in the centre with Tom Fowlie who moves from the wing. Andrew Fenby, Marland Yarde and Alex Lewington make up the back three.

Brian Smith, Exiles Director of Rugby said: “The squad has another chance to build on last Friday’s performance tomorrow afternoon. Lusitanos are playing their first match at home and will be very passionate in front of their home supporters.”

London Irish team to face Lusitanos XV:

15. Alex Lewington; 14. Marland Yarde*; 13. Tom Fowlie; 12. Sailosi Tagicakibau*; 11. Andrew Fenby; 10. Myles Dorrian; 9. Darren Allinson; 1. John Yapp*; 2. Jimmy Stevens; 3. Jamie Hagan*; 4. Nic Rouse; 5. Bryn Evans*; 6. Declan Danaher (Captain); 7. Jebb Sinclair*; 8. Blair Cowan

Replacements: 16. Mike Mayhew; 17. Johnny Harris; 18. Leo Halavatau; 19. George Skivington; 20. Ofisa Treviranus*; 21. Guy Armitage; 22. Shane Geraghty*; 23. Tomás O’Leary*

*Denotes International

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 19 Oct 2013 - 15:45

Not a great 1st half from us. 20-6 up with tries from Losi and Blair. Hopefully we can go up through the gears second half.

by yappysnap Sat 19 Oct 2013 - 20:08

stnick88 wrote:I met Eamon Sheridan for the first time out in Clapham on Saturday night. was a nice chap. He was out with Guy and Palframan. Yarde was also out too but with Luke Wallace and Sinckler. Outrageous behaviour mixing with the Quins boys!

This week I'd go

1 Parr
2 Stevens
3 Hagan
4 Skivington
5 Evans
6 Sinclair
7 Danaher
8 Fisher - If not fit, Cowan.
9 Allinson
10 Dorrian
11 Fowlie
12 Sheridan
13 Tagicakibau
14 Lewington
15 Ojo

I'd be looking to play Sheridan, Skiv, Sinclair, Cowan, Ojo, Lewington around an hour max just to get them game time before Falcons next week.

Whatever the team is, people who didnt play at all on Friday should get some game time if only off the bench.

12 Sheridan
13 Tagicakibau

is a combo I'd like to see tested.

COS sending the boys out to work on him for that big summer move... Whistle

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 19 Oct 2013 - 21:49

Well COS and the boys can feck right off yappy! Wink

by **George Carlin** Tue 22 Oct 2013 - 12:36

Ozzy - I see that Blair Cowan and Keiran Low have been called into the Scotland training squad for the AIs for the first time. We would welcome your thoughts on what they are like: https://www.606v2.com/t48483-scotland-xv-for-autumn-internationals.

Cheers feller.

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