South African centre to start for London Irish

London Irish director of rugby Declan Kidney has confirmed the squad that will head into Round 9 of the Gallagher Premiership (kick-off 5pm SA time) on Saturday.

Will Goodrick-Clarke, Agustin Creevy and Ollie Hoskins form the front row, with Adam Coleman and Rob Simmons in the second row.

Matt Rogerson captains the side from blindside flanker and is joined in the back row by Tom Pearson and Olly Cracknell.

Nick Phipps and Paddy Jackson are the halfback duo, while Benhard Janse van Rensburg combines with Curtis Rona in the centres.

Ollie Hassell-Collins, Kyle Rowe and Tom Parton complete the side as the back three trio.

“Going to the reigning champions’ home ground is never an easy task,” said Kidney.

“Harlequins are a dangerous outfit, as they have proved, but we are excited to front up against the challenge.

“There is always a great atmosphere whenever these two clubs play each other, and we expect the same tomorrow.”

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London Irish team:

15 Tom Parton, 14 Kyle Rowe, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Nick Phipps, 1 Will Goodrick-Clarke, 2 Agustin Creevy, 3 Ollie Hoskins, 4 Adam Coleman, 5 Rob Simmons, 6 Matt Rogerson (c), 7 Tom Pearson, 8 Olly Cracknell.

Replacements: 16 Mike Willemse, 17 Allan Dell, 18 Ciaran Parker, 19 Steve Mafi, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Ben White, 22 Rory Jennings, 23 Matt Williams.

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