JEBB SINCLAIR and Topsy Ojo are the two changes made by Tom Coventry to the London Irish side for Sunday’s basement battle with Newcastle Falcons (1pm).
The coach has opted to replace Blair Cowan, who drops to the bench, with Sinclair, while Ojo comes in at full-back, taking the place of Sean Maitland.
The two teams head into the fixture at Madejski Stadium sitting 11th and 12th respectively in the Aviva Premiership table, with both in need of the points to try and close the gap on those above them in the standings.
Irish were beaten 27-14 at Gloucester last time out – letting slip of 14-6 half-time lead – while Newcastle were celebrating their first league victory of the season, outscoring Sale 19-14.
The two results saw the sides swap places in the table, meaning the Exiles once again occupy bottom spot, so coach Coventry has opted to freshen things up a little with his selection.
Sinclair will start at blindside, with Luke Narraway switching to openside flank and Ofisa Treviranus packing down at No.8.
Tom Court, David Paice and Ben Franks make up the front row, while captain Matt Symons will start at lock alongside Will Lloyd.
Brendan McKibbin and Chris Noakes link up in the half backs. Johnny WIlliams and Ciaran Hearn are named in the centre.
Occupying the wings will be Aseli Tikoirotuma and Alex Lewington, with Ojo at full back.
“Last week was frustrating and the boys have worked really hard to build towards this game,” said Coventry.
“We are looking forward to playing in front of our home crowd and we hope to give them a performance they can be proud of.”
LONDON IRISH: Ojo, Lewington, Hearn, Williams, Tikoirotuma, Noakes, McKibbin, Court, Paice, Franks, Symons (c), Lloyd, Sinclair, Narraway, Treviranus.
Replacements: Ellis, Smallbone, Aulika, Trayfoot, Cowan, Steele, Geraghty, Mulchrone.
