Irish v Quins: Teams
Peter Richards returns for London Irish against his old club Harlequins, who have made four changes.
Last Updated: 19/04/08 5:30pm
London Irish have made four changes for the visit of Harlequins, including the return to action of Peter Richards.
The England international is back in the starting line-up at outside centre, boosting the Exiles as they prepare for a busy month in league and cup.
In the front row Dan Murphy starts at loose head prop with David Paice coming in at hooker. Richard Thorp takes over at No.8, allowing Steffon Armitage to start at openside flanker.
In the backs Shane Geraghty starts at fly-half and Seilala Mapusua is at inside centre.
"Harlequins have competed well through the season, finding a good run of form just when it matters," said director of rugby Brian Smith.
Respect
"We've great respect for what they've achieved and admire the way they've given their talented, young players the chance to perform in the Premiership."
Irish are missing a number of first team regulars, including Delon Armitage, Clarke Dermody, Warren Fury, Nick Kennedy and Kieran Roche.
Quins have also made four changes as they head to the Madejski Stadium looking to cement their place in the Guinness Premiership play-offs.
England winger David Strettle is back in the starting line-up for the first time since he was injured while playing for his country in the Six Nations.
Strettle joins his international colleague Nick Easter in the XV, with Tom Guest dropping to the bench.
In the centres, Tosh Masson returns after injury to start alongside Ugo Monye, while in the front row Gary Botha comes back in to join Ceri Jones and Mike Ross, with Tani Fuga on the bench.
London Irish: 15 Peter Hewat, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Peter Richards, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 10 Shane Geraghty, 9 Paul Hodgson, 1 Dan Murphy, 2 David Paice, 3 Faan Rautenbach, 4 James Hudson, 5 Bob Casey (capt), 6 Declan Danaher, 7 Steffon Armitage, 8 Richard Thorpe.
Replacements: 16 TongaLea'aetoa, 17 Danie Coetzee, 18 Gary Johnson, 19 Phil Murphy, 20 Juan Leguizamon, 21 Nils Mordt, 22 Eoghan Hickey
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 David Strettle, 13 Ugo Monye, 12 Tosh Masson, 11 Tom Williams, 10 Adrian Jarvis, 9 Danny Care,
1 Ceri Jones, 2 Gary Botha, 3 Mike Ross, 4 Ollie Kohn, 5 George Robson, 6 Chris Robshaw, 7 Will Skinner (Capt), 8 Nick Easter
Replacements: 16 Tani Fuga, 17 John Brooks, 18 Jim Evans, 19 Tom Guest, 20 Steven So'oialo, 21 Chris Malone, 22 De Wet Barry