Exiles name team for visit to Sale

Head Coach Tom Coventry has made 11 changes to the London Irish side that qualified for the Challenge Cup quarter finals with victory over Agen ahead of Saturday’s Aviva Premiership fixture against Sale Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Only four players - Topsy Ojo, Shane Geraghty, Conor Gilsenan and Luke Narraway remain from last weekend’s 31-17 victory in France. 

Tom Court, David Paice and Halani Aulika comprise the Exiles' front row, whilst Matt Symons and Will Lloyd are reunited as the second row combination. Ofisa Treviranus, Conor Gilsenan and Luke Narraway are named as the back row trio.

Brendan McKibbin makes a return to the side at scrum half with Shane Geraghty his half-back partner. Johnny Williams and Ciaran Hearn form the midfield and Topsy Ojo, Aseli Tikoirotuma and Sean Maitland make up the back three. 

Ahead of the game, London Irish Head Coach, Tom Coventry said: “We were delighted with the result last weekend and it is important that we build on that performance with another good display against Sale. The Sharks are a formidable side at home so we know we will have to be at our best to get the result.”

London Irish team to play Sale Sharks: 

15. Sean Maitland*; 14. Topsy Ojo*; 13. Ciaran Hearn*; 12. Johnny Williams; 11. Aseli Tikoirotuma*; 10. Shane Geraghty*; 9. Brendan McKibbin; 1. Tom Court*; 2. David Paice*; 3. Halani Aulika*; 4. Matt Symons (Captain); 5. Will Lloyd; 6. Ofisa Treviranus*; 7. Conor Gilsenan; 8. Luke Narraway*

Replacements: 16. Gerard Ellis; 17. Johnny Harris; 18. Leo Halavatau; 19. Jebb Sinclair*; 20. Rob McCusker*; 21. Scott Steele; 22. Theo Brophy Clews; 23. Andrew Fenby 

*Denotes International