Saracens v L Irish: Teams
David Strettle is brought back into the Saracens starting XV for their Aviva Premiership clash with London Irish on Sunday.
Last Updated: 07/01/11 1:07pm
David Strettle is brought back into the Saracens starting XV for their Aviva Premiership clash with London Irish on Sunday.
The 27-year-old was rested for last weekend's defeat to Sale under the EPS agreement but comes straight back into the side to take his place on the wing.
The return of Strettle sees Michael Tagicakibau revert back to the centres, meaning Gavin Henson is dropped to the bench after making his first start against the Sharks.
Prop Carlos Nieto, lock Mouritz Botha and No. 8 Kelly Brown also return to the Sarries line-up for the London derby.
The match will be Brendan Venter's last as director of rugby, with the outspoken South African set to switch to the new role of technical director.
"We were very disappointed with the result last week against Sale and despite expecting a frantic and physical match, we just didn't deal with it," Venter said.
Lessons
"But we have talked about that this week and I am sure those lessons have been learned.
"We're looking ahead to what should be an excellent game between two very good teams. London Irish haven't had the results they would have liked in recent weeks, but they have a squad full of quality players and a very good coaching staff so we are expecting a tough battle."
The visitors make one change and two positional switches for the contest after suffering a ninth straight defeat in all competitions against Bath last time out.
Dan Bowden moves from centre to fly-half to replace Chris Malone, who switches to full-back with Delon Armitage being rested due to the EPS agreement.
Seilala Mapusua takes the vacant spot at inside centre, forming a partnership with fellow Samoan Elvis Seveali'i in the midfield.
Adam Thompstone returns to the squad for the first time in over a year as he is named on the bench after recovering from a serious ankle injury.
Exiles head coach Toby Booth said: "Last week we made massive strides scoring three great tries in a very committed performance. The squad remains extremely focused and are determined to get back to winning ways."
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 David Strettle, 13 Michael Tagicakibau, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 James Short, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Richard Wigglesworth, 8 Kelly Brown, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Jacques Burger, 5 Mouritz Botha, 4 Steve Borthwick (capt), 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Deon Carstens.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Petrus du Plessis, 19 Hugh Vyvyan, 20 Ernst Joubert, 21 Kevin Barrett, 22 Gavin Henson, 23 Ben Ransom.
London Irish: 15 Chris Malone, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Elvis Seveali'i, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 10 Dan Bowden, 9 Paul Hodgson (capt), 8 George Stowers, 7 Steffon Armitage, 6 Richard Thorpe, 5 Matt Garvey, 4 Nick Kennedy, 3 Faan Rautenbach, 2 James Buckland, 1 Alex Corbisiero.
Replacements: 16 Brian Blaney, 17 Clarke Dermody, 18. Paulica Ion, 19 Bob Casey, 20 Chris Hala'ufia, 21 Adam Thompstone, 22 Ryan Lamb, 23 Darren Allinson.