Date: Fri 28 Dec 2012

London Irish has announced an unchanged starting XV for tomorrow afternoon’s local derby with Harlequins in the Aviva Premiership. The match, the latest in the Big Game series, kicks-off at Twickenham Stadium at 2.15pm.

Director of Rugby Brian Smith retains the starting line-up that played Leicester Tigers at Madejski Stadium last Saturday. There are three changes among the replacements where George Skivington returns from injury to cover the second row. Steven Shingler and today’s signing Patrick Phibbs provide half-back cover.

“We know and respect the Harlequins players and coaching staff,” said Brian Smith. “They had an important away win last weekend so we are going to have to be at our best to come away with any points.”

Team
15. Tom Homer; 14. Topsy Ojo*; 13. Jonathan Joseph*; 12. Sailosi Tagicakibau*; 11. Marland Yarde ; 10. Ian Humphreys*; 9. Darren Allinson ; 1. Max Lahiff; 2. David Paice*; 3. Halani Aulika*; 4. Bryn Evans*; 5. Matt Garvey; 6. Declan Danaher (captain); 7. Jebb Sinclair*; 8. Chris Hala’Ufia*.

Replacements
16. Scott Lawson*; 17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa*; 18. Leo Halavatua*; 19. George Skivington*; 20. Jamie Gibson; 21. Guy Armitage; 22. Steven Shingler; 23. Patrick Phibbs.

* Denotes international.

London Irish supporters are advised to allow plenty of time to get to Twickenham Stadium tomorrow as the match is sold out and traffic delays are expected.