London Scottish have named their side to face London Irish in Sunday’s Exile Derby at the Athletic Ground.
The starting line-up features 10 changes from the side that defeated Ulster ‘A’ in the British and Irish Cup, for what will be the first time that Scottish meet Irish since the 1998/1999 season.
Props Jonny Harris and Ewan McQuillin join David Cherry in the front-row, the hooker made his 50th appearance for the Scots last weekend, making him just the third player in the current squad to have reached the half-century.
Captain Rory Bartle is partnered by Neale Patrick in the second-row, with a return of the settled back-row which has functioned well so far this season, featuring Danny Kenny, Joe Atkinson and Ally Miller.
Jamie Stevenson starts at scrum-half alongside Harry Sheppard at fly-half. Patrick Kelly joins Robbie Fergusson in the centre, with a back-three of Jason Harries who makes his 30th appearance for the Scots on the left wing, Craig Holland on the right wing and Peter Lydon at full-back.
Grant Shiells, Dan Koroi and South African Hooker Michael van Vuuren, who is on loan from Bath all offer a front-row alternative, with Dom McGeekie and Alex Humfrey covering the rest of the pack.
Ed Hoadley provides scrum-half back up, with Alec Coombes completing the match-day squad.
Head Coach Peter Richards says everyone at the club is looking forward to what will be a great occasion at the Athletic Ground:
“We know we are facing a huge challenge against the best team in our league but it’s hugely exciting. We have a bit of momentum from recent weeks and if we can show the same spirit it will be a great match against an international-filled Irish side on Sky Sports.”
London Scottish team to face London Irish on Sunday 30th October at the Athletic Ground, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 15:00:
15 Peter Lydon 14 Craig Holland 13 Robbie Fergusson 12 Patrick Kelly 11 Jason Harries 10 Harry Sheppard 9 Jamie Stevenson 1 Jonny Harris 2 David Cherry 3 Ewan McQuillin 4 Rory Bartle (c) 5 Neale Patrick 6 Danny Kenny 7 Joe Atkinson 8 Ally Miller
Replacements:
16 Michael van Vuuren 17 Grant Shiells 18 Dan Koroi 19 Dom McGeekie 20 Alex Humfrey 21 Ed Hoadley 22 Alec Coombes
