L Irish v Newcastle: Teams
London Irish coach Toby Booth has challenged his side to reach the Premiership play-offs.
Last Updated: 11/02/11 2:00pm
London Irish coach Toby Booth has challenged his side to reach the Premiership play-offs.
The Exiles have dropped to seventh in the league, however Booth believes a victory over Newcastle could kick-start a run of good form for his side.
Booth said: "It's great to be getting back to the Aviva Premiership which is our primary focus during any season.
"It is vital that we start to build up momentum for the next run of games to ensure we power our way into contention for the play-offs and the final reckoning come May."
Irish welcome back James Buckland, Kieran Low, Paul Hodgson and Elvis Seveali'i to the starting XV, however Alex Corbisiero has now been called into the England side.
Formidable
Newcastle boss Alan Tait will welcome back Jeremy Manning and Luke Eves to their starting XV.
Manning is named at full-back, with Eves included in the centres - while there is also a place on the bench for Rob Vickerman.
"We've got a team that is getting settled and we've got to take London Irish on up front first and foremost," said Tait.
"One we've done that we will have to break down that back division which is pretty solid. They're a formidable bunch and you just can't afford to give them a lot of space.
"Defensively we've done well the last few games which is key to getting success but we've got to improve our attack to win these big games."
London Irish: 15 Topsy Ojo, 14 Adam Thompstone, 13 Elvis Seveali'i, 12 Seilala Mapusua (capt), 11 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 10 Ryan Lamb, 9 Paul Hodgson, 8 George Stowers, 7 Jamie Gibson, 6 Kieran Roche, 5 Kieran Low, 4 Nick Kennedy 3 Paulica Ion, 2 James Buckland, 1 Clarke Dermody.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Dan Murphy, 18 Will Johnson, 19 Gary Johnson, 20 Steffon Armitage, 21 Chris Malone, 22 Daniel Bowden, 23 Darren Allinson.
Newcastle: 15 Jeremy Manning, 14 Luke Fielden, 13 Luke Eves, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Alex Tait, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young, 8 Ally Hogg, 7 Will Welch, 6 Tim Swinson, 5 Andrew Van der Heijden, 4 James Hudson, 3 James Hall, 2 Matt Thompson, 1 Jonny Golding.
Replacements: 16 Rob Vickers, 17 Kieran Brookes, 18 Grant Shiells, 19 Filipo Levi, 20 Mark Wilson, 21 Hall Charlton, 22 Rob Vickerman, 23 Gcobani Bobo.