London Irish v Newcastle: Teams
New Zealand international Bryn Evans starts for London Irish in Saturday's home clash against Newcastle.
Last Updated: 23/09/11 1:54pm
New Zealand international Bryn Evans starts for London Irish in Saturday's Aviva Premiership match against Newcastle Falcons.
Evans's inclusion is the only change to the side that beat Northampton Saints last weekend to end a four game losing streak.
He will start at blindside flanker after coming off the bench last weekend, while Declan Danaher has been named as a replacement after from recovering from injury.
"We are excited to be back playing at the Madejski Stadium after being on the road for the last three rounds," said head coach Toby Booth.
"It is great to have Declan Danaher available for selection again. We know Newcastle will be up for it after losing narrowly last week. We need to build momentum after last week's victory over Northampton."
Newcastle Falcons have made five changes to their side, with Jordi Pasqualin getting the nod at scrum-half, while Kiwi Ryan Shortland comes in for the injured Luke Fielden on the wing.
Welcome return
Samoan Jamie Helleur makes a welcome return at inside centre replacing James Fitzpatrick, who is expected to be sidelined for the next six to eight weeks with a hernia injury.
Hooker Joe Graham replaces Rob Vickers ,who will be out of action for two to three months with a serious knee injury, sustained during last week's narrow 27-26 defeat to Leicester Tigers.
In the absence of Vickers' experience, head coach Alan Tait can recall Ally Hogg to the forward pack following the birth of his child.
"It is a squad game," said Tait. "And looking at the injuries and guys getting tired, we have got to freshen things up.
"I have always sat on the fence with young Jordi Pasqualin, Chris Pilgrim and Will Chudley and there is not much between them. I have decided to give young Jordi a crack this weekend.
"I have also brought Ally Hogg back into the team and he seems to be over his pregnancy and all his worries!
"We have lost Rob Vickers so it is great to get Hoggy [Ally Hogg] back in the team with his leadership qualities. Jamie Helleur is back too so it is great to get some experience back in the team."
London Irish: 15 Tom Homer, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Steve Shingler, 11 Adam Thompstone, 10 Dan Bowden, 9 Darren Allinson, 8 Chris Hala'ufia, 7 Alex Gray, 6 Bryn Evans, 5 Matt Garvey, 4 Nick Kennedy, 3 Leo Halavatau, 2 David Paice, 1 Clarke Dermody (c).
Replacements: 16 James Buckland, 17 Max Lahiff, 18 Mark George, 19 James Sandford, 20 Declan Danaher, 21 Guy Armitage, 22 Anthony Watson, 23 Paul Hodgson
Newcastle Falcons: 15 Greg Goosen, 14 Alex Tait, 13 Luke Eves, 12 Jamie Helleur, 11 Ryan Shortland, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Jordi Pasqualin, 8 Ally Hogg, 7 Will Welch, 6 Richard Mayhew, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 James Hudson, 3 Ashley Wells, 2 Joe Graham, 1 Grant Shiells.
Replacements: 16 Michael Mayhew, 17 Darren Fearn, 18 James Hall, 19 Glen Townson, 20 Redford Pennycook, 21 Will Chudley, 22 Rikki Sheriffe, 23 Tom Catterick.
Date: Saturday, September 24
Venue: Madejski Stadium
Kick-off: 15.00 BST (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Small