Premiership Preview: Saturday, Sunday
St James' Park and London Stadium host two of four games taking place in the Premiership on Saturday, with one match set for Sunday.
Saturday
London Irish vs Gloucester
Declan Kidney takes charge of his first game as London Irish technical consultant when the Exiles host Gloucester.
Kidney, who is joined by head coach Les Kiss in the coaching paddock, is boosted by the return of Josh McNally to the starting XV. The second-row has been side lined since last October after having corrective heart surgery and is one of two changes to the side that was narrowly defeated against Wasps at the Ricoh Arena earlier this month.
Theo Brophy Clews is the other change, the Exiles academy product getting the nod at fly-half alongside scrum-half Piet van Zyl. Locked on 99 points for Irish, the Oxford-born playmaker will be hoping to make it 100 when the Cherry & Whites come to town.
Centres Johnny Williams and Tom Fowlie as well as winger Joe Cokanasiga all start, the trio having also come through the youth ranks at Irish. James Marshall occupies the full-back berth, with top try scorer Alex Lewington on the wing.
Ben Franks, David Paice and Ollie Hoskins pack down in the front-row, with skipper Franco van der Merwe partnering McNally in the engine room.
Arno Botha, who along with van Zyl, jetted in from the Blue Bulls at the turn of this year, starts in the back-row with Conor Gilsenan and Ofisa Treviranus.
“For many years the St Patrick’s Party fixture has been a massive occasion for London Irish and we’ll be doing everything we can to get the crowd in full voice,” said Kidney.
“We’ve had a good training week and the lads have been full of enthusiasm. Gloucester are an excellent side and we’re all really looking forward to the challenge.
“We have five games left, with 25 points to play for and we’ll take one game at a time and see where we are come the end of the season.”
Meanwhile, looking to get back to winning ways in the Premiership, Gloucester make half a dozen changes to their starting line-up as they travel to take on London Irish.
It's an important game for both sides. The Cherry and Whites are looking to keep alive their top four ambitions, while Irish are running out of time to close the gap on Worcester Warriors at the foot of the table.
Of Gloucester's six changes, four are in the pack. Josh Hohneck, James Hanson and John Afoa come in to make up a new-look front-row, while Lewis Ludlow returns to the back-row.
Tom Marshall replaces David Halaifonua on the left wing and Henry Trinder partners Mark Atkinson in the midfield to complete the changes from the side that started against Newcastle.
Previewing the game with the local media, Head Coach Johan Ackermann is aware that the new coaching set-up at Irish could have an immediate impact.
"Obviously I think they will be a side who will be hungry and desperate. They've had a change in coaching staff and sometimes that can bring new energy and excitement. It's also their St Patrick's weekend and they will want to end the season well.
"It's going to be a big test for us. If you analyse them, they've been competitive in most of their games, they've been unlucky in a lot of games and could easily got over the winning line. They're not a bad side, they have quality players all over, players who have the X factor.
"We will have to be at our best, we're still searching for the 80 minute performance. We haven't changed our approach or our preparation as a result of their changes. We know there's a lot of experience gone in there, coaches who have achieved a lot and who will add value.
"It is knockout rugby, but I just want the players to go out and enjoy themselves and play the style of rugby that I want the club to eventually play. And we'll live with the consequence and the result.
"But we're not blind to the situation. If we want to have any success this season, then there's not much room for error. So, it is a massive game in that sense, but it starts with us staying in the moment and staying in the process. We have to do our basics well."
The teams:
London Irish: 15 James Marshall, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Tom Fowlie, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Alex Lewington, 10 Theo Brophy Clews, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Ofisa Treviranus, 7 Conor Gilsenan, 6 Arno Botha, 5 Josh McNally, 4 Franco van der Merwe (c), 3 Ollie Hoskins, 2 David Paice, 1 Ben Franks
Replacements: 16 Dave Porecki, 17 Harry Elrington, 18 Petrus Du Plessis, 19 Sebastian De Chaves, 20 Jake Schatz, 21 Scott Steele, 22 Tommy Bell, 23 Aseli Tikoirotuma
Gloucester: 15 Jason Woodward, 14 Charlie Sharples, 13 Henry Trinder, 12 Mark Atkinson, 11 Tom Marshall, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Willi Heinz (c), 8 Ruan Ackermann, 7 Lewis Ludlow, 6 Jake Polledri, 5 Mariano Galarza; 4 Tom Savage, 3 John Afoa, 2 James Hanson, 1 Josh Hohneck
Replacements: 16 Motu Matu'u, 17 Val Rapava Ruskin, 18 Gareth Denman, 19 Jeremy Thrush, 20 Freddie Clarke, 21 Callum Braley, 22 Billy Twelvetrees, 23 Tom Hudson
Venue: Madejski Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: Matthew Carley
Assistant referees: Adam Leal, Paul Burton
TMO: Martin Fox
Sale vs Worcester
Sale Sharks welcome back three internationals to their squad to face Worcester Warriors.
AJ MacGinty (USA), James O'Connor (Australia) and Tom Curry (England) are back for the season's 'run in' after injury. Curry last played for the club against Exeter Chiefs in October.
The starting XV shows two changes, one positional, from the game at Northampton three weeks ago. MacGinty returns, with Sam James switching back to centre at the expense of his brother Luke.
Looking ahead to the game, Sharks' Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said: "Worcester have enjoyed a good second half to the season. They have regrouped and with having Alan Solomons there in charge now they have become a very good defensive side who are difficult to break down so we know that we have a job on our hands this weekend.
"But if we get ball and then stay patient with it, the way Deacs is coaching them we've got a good side on our hands and if we can keep hold of possession then I'm sure we can get some joy."
Meanwhile, Jonny Arr will make his 200th appearance for the club when Worcester travel to face Sale Sharks.
Arr, who is celebrating his Testimonial season at Sixways, will become a double centurion more than ten years after making his debut for the club.
Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons is boosted by the return of Ben Te’o following the conclusion of the Six Nations as the England international is one of two changes from the clash with Leicester Tigers last time out.
Dean Hammond also comes into the side, in place of Chris Pennell who picked up a knock in training.
Wales international Josh Adams will start at full-back, while Bryce Heem and Hammond complete the back three.
Jamie Shillcock and Jonny Arr are named as the half-back combination, while Te’o partners Jackson Willison in midfield.
The forward pack is unchanged from Warriors’ last clash. Ethan Waller, Jack Singleton and Nick Schonert line-up in the front-row, Darren Barry partners Will Spencer in the second row and GJ van Velze captains the side from the back-row alongside David Denton and Alafoti Faosiliva.
The teams:
Sale Sharks: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Denny Solomona, 13 Will Addison (c), 12 Sam James, 11 Marland Yarde, 10 AJ MacGinty, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Josh Strauss, 7 Ben Curry, 6 Jono Ross, 5 Andrei Ostrikov, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 WillGriff John, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Ross Harrison
Replacements: 16 Marc Jones, 17 James Flynn, 18 Alexandru Tarus, 19 Josh Beaumont, 20 Tom Curry, 21 Will Cliff, 22 James O'Connor, 23 Byron McGuigan
Worcester Warriors: 15 Josh Adams 14 Bryce Heem, 13 Ben Te’o, 12 Jackson Willison, 11 Dean Hammond, 10 Jamie Shillcock, 9 Jonny Arr, 8 GJ van Velze (c), 7 Alafoti Faosiliva, 6 David Denton, 5 Will Spencer, 4 Darren Barry, 3 Nick Schonert, 2 Jack Singleton, 1 Ethan Waller
Replacements: 16 Kurt Haupt, 17 Ryan Bower, 18 Gareth Milasinovich, 19 Andrew Kitchener, 20 Matt Cox, 21 Michael Dowsett, 22 Sam Olver, 23 Tom Howe
Venue: AJ Bell Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: Andrew Jackson
Assistant referees: Steve Lee, Peter Allan
TMO: Trevor Fisher
Saracens vs Harlequins
Six of Saracens’ returning internationals are in the matchday 23 to take on London rivals Harlequins at London Stadium.
England duo Jamie George and Maro Itoje feature in the pack while Scotland and Wales backs Sean Maitland and Liam Williams are on the wings.
Richard Wigglesworth reclaims the number nine shirt with Alex Lozowski continuing at fly-half.
Other changes see Schalk Burger reinstated at openside flanker and Mako Vunipola selected on the bench.
Owen Farrell and George Kruis are unavailable this weekend due to injuries picked up on England duty.
Following the conclusion of the Six Nations, Harlequins welcome back their international contingent into the matchday squad to take on Saracens.
In the backs, Danny Care and Demetri Catrakilis form the half-back pairing for the first time since September 2017, while Mike Brown starts at full-back. The remainder of the backline is unchanged from the win over Bath in Round 17.
In the forwards, there are three changes from the starting pack that beat Bath. Kyle Sinckler and Charlie Matthews start at tighthead prop and second-row respectively, as Chris Robshaw comes in to the back-row.
Among the replacements there is a welcome return for Jack Clifford, who is set to feature for the club for the first time since October 2017.
Ahead of the match, Harlequins Director of Rugby, John Kingston said: "We were obviously pleased to get back on track with the hard-earned win over Bath last time out, and now we’ll be looking to build on that this weekend.
"Saracens are still very much the ultimate challenge in English club rugby. That said, our recent record against them is very good. With our unavailability list finally starting to relent, we are really looking forward to playing at such a fabulous sporting arena, the London Stadium."
The teams:
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Liam Williams, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Alex Lozowski, 9 Richard Wigglesworth, 8 Jackson Wray, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Nick Isiekwe, 5 Dominic Day, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Jamie George, 1 Richard Barrington
Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Titi Lamositele, 19 Ben Earl, 20 Blair Cowan, 21 Ben Spencer, 22 Max Malins, 23 Chris Wyles
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Alofa Alofa, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Danny Care, 8 James Chisholm, 7 Luke Wallace, 6 Chris Robshaw, 5 James Horwill (c), 4 Charlie Matthews, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Joe Gray, 1 Mark Lambert
Replacements: 16 Dave Ward, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Will Collier, 19 Mat Luamanu, 20 Jack Clifford, 21 Dave Lewis, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Francis Saili
Venue: London Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: Tom Foley
Assistant referees: Anthony Woodthorpe, Jonathan Healy
TMO: Graham Hughes
Newcastle vs Northampton
Newcastle Falcons have named their team for The Big One at St James’ Park on Saturday, as they take on Northampton Saints at the home of Newcastle United.
A club record home crowd is already assured with more than 27,000 tickets sold for the game. Newcastle native Will Welch captaining the Falcons at a stadium he used to frequent as a child.
“My dad had a couple of season tickets for Newcastle United when I was growing up, so I used to go on the Gallowgate End fairly regularly,” said Welch, who became the Falcons’ youngest ever club captain six seasons ago.
“It’s an amazing stadium and it will be great to see so many Falcons fans there on Saturday. The people in our region have really backed us with the way they’ve snapped up the tickets and it should be a great day.”
Welch is joined in the back-row by Canadian international Evan Olmstead and Tonga’s most-capped player, Nili Latu, who played at St James’ Park during Rugby World Cup 2015.
Fly-half Toby Flood starts at the stadium where he was a Newcastle United ball-boy in his youth, saying: “It’s an iconic venue with an incredible atmosphere, and it’s great that the Falcons are taking a game there.
“Ultimately it’s an Aviva Premiership match like any other so the guys need to try and not be distracted by all the other stuff going on around it, but a big crowd really getting behind the team will make it a special occasion.
“We’ve got 50 Premiership points on the board with five rounds to go, plus a home quarter-final in Europe, we can just have a swing at it and see where it takes us. That’s a great position to be in and reflects an enormous amount of hard work from top to bottom within the club.”
Geordie prop Trevor Davison starts on the tighthead side with Jon Welsh having picked up an injury in the Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-final at Exeter, Kyle Cooper aiming to continue his free-scoring form at hooker after dotting down five tries in his last six games.
Newcastle were 24-22 winners the last time they played Northampton and are on a run of four straight league victories over the Saints, not that director of rugby Dean Richards is taking them lightly.
“Northampton are a quality outfit and their position in the table doesn’t tell the full story,” said the Falcons boss.
“They’ve got quality in every position, they have a bit of X-factor and our boys will have to be on their money to get the result. That said, we’re in a strong position in the table, we have a lot of confidence within the camp and we will be able to draw upon a huge crowd thanks to the support we have received from right around our region.”
On Saturday’s venue, Richards said: “St James’ Park really is one of the truly iconic stadiums in British sport, and certainly in these parts. I’ve been there for Newcastle United games, Rugby World Cup and rugby league Magic Weekend, and it’s just an incredible venue.
“I’m sure our guys will show a great focus and really rise to the challenge, they’ve done it many times already this season and it’s an enormously exciting time to be involved with the club right now.”
Meanwhile, for the Saints, Nic Groom returns to the number nine jersey to rekindle his half-back partnership with veteran Stephen Myler, while George North returns on the wing from international duty.
Piers Francis and Rob Horne continue in midfield, while Ahsee Tuala and Nafi Tuitavake are also retained to make up the back three.
Mikey Haywood returns from injury to line up at hooker, with Dylan Hartley out with illness after returning to the club from international duty.
Campese Ma’afu and Kieran Brookes will pack down either side of him once again, with Christian Day returning to lead the side alongside Api Ratuniyawara in the second-row.
Ben Nutley will don the eight jersey for Saints after impressing off the bench last time out against Bath – David Ribbans and Jamie Gibson making up the back-row.
And there’s room for Harry Mallinder on the bench for Northampton, with the versatile back recovering from illness to take his place amongst Saints’ replacements.
The teams:
Newcastle Falcons: 15 Simon Hammersley, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 Sinoti Sinoti, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Michael Young, 8 Nili Latu, 7 Will Welch (c), 6 Evan Olmstead, 5 Sean Robinson, 4 Calum Green, 3 Trevor Davison, 2 Kyle Cooper, 1 Sam Lockwood
Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Rob Vickers, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Will Witty, 20 Ally Hogg, 21 Sam Stuart, 22 Joel Hodgson, 23 Maxime Mermoz
Northampton Saints: 15 Ahsee Tuala, 14 Nafi Tuitavake, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Piers Francis, 11 George North, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Ben Nutley, 7 Jamie Gibson, 6 David Ribbans, 5 Christian Day (c), 4 Api Ratuniyawara, 3 Kieran Brookes, 2 Mikey Haywood, 1 Campese Ma’afu
Replacements: 16 Reece Marshall, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Jamal Ford-Robinson, 19 Michael Paterson, 20 Mitch Eadie, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Harry Mallinder, 23 Ben Foden
Venue: St James' Park
Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
Referee: JP Doyle
Assistant referees: Ian Tempest, Hamish Smales
TMO: Sean Davey
Sunday
Leicester vs Wasps
England internationals George Ford, Jonny May, Dan Cole and Ellis Genge return to the Leicester Tigers team for Sunday’s Premiership showdown with Wasps at Welford Road.
Ford, May and Cole are named in the starting line-up at the conclusion of the Six Nations Championship, while Genge is included in the matchday squad for the first time since surgery on a shoulder injury.
Valentino Mapapalangi and Luke Hamilton come into the back-row with Mike Williams and Brendon O’Connor ruled out this week by injuries picked up in the win over Worcester Warriors in Round 17.
Will Evans is added to the matchday squad and joins fellow academy graduates Harry Wells and Harry Simmons among the replacements.
Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor said: “The boys who’ve been here throughout the Six Nations period have put us back in the mix and that gives everyone confidence. Now, we have the England players back in and they’re keen to put down a marker around their own club performances.
“Ellis Genge has been training hard and has come back incredibly well from his injury. He is raring to go and really keen to contribute.”
Meanwhile, Joe Launchbury returns from the Six Nations to captain Wasps at Welford Road on Sunday.
He is joined in the black-and-gold line-up by fellow England stars James Haskell and Elliot Daly, both of whom featured prominently against Ireland at Twickenham last week.
Following a two-week break from top-flight action, director of rugby Dai Young is also able to name fit-again Juan de Jongh alongside Jimmy Gopperth in the centre, while loosehead Matt Mullan also returns as part of a powerful bench.
The England international prop is one of six forwards named as replacements in addition to winger Josh Bassett and scrum-half Joe Simpson. Fly-half Danny Cipriani makes his 100th Premiership appearance for Wasps.
Director of Rugby Young said: “It is great to have Launchers, Hask and Elliot back for such a big game.
“Leicester have picked up some good results in the last couple of rounds and it's a huge game for both teams.
"The set-piece is massive – they pride themselves on that – and the contact area is also going to be a real battle. We've got to meet that physicality first to get the opportunity to play.
“This is partly the thinking behind our bench mix, particularly after Rob Miller injured his knee in training.
“I tend to dissect the season into blocks and these next two away games will be crucial in deciding whether we will be fighting to be in the top four or the top two.”
The teams:
Leicester Tigers: 15 Telusa Veainu, 14 Adam Thompstone, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Sam Harrison, 8 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Luke Hamilton, 6 Valentino Mapapalangi, 5 Graham Kitchener, 4 Mike Fitzgerald, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Tom Youngs (c), 1 Greg Bateman
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Logovi’i Mulipola, 19 Harry Wells, 20 Will Evans, 21 Harry Simmons, 22 Mathew Tait, 23 Nick Malouf
Wasps: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Christian Wade, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jimmy Gopperth, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Dan Robson, 8 Guy Thompson, 7 Thomas Young, 6 James Haskell, 5 James Gaskell, 4 Joe Launchbury (c), 3 Jake Cooper-Woolley, 2 Tom Cruse, 1 Simon McIntyre
Replacements: 16 TJ Harris, 17 Matt Mullan, 18 Marty Moore, 19 Will Rowlands, 20 Kearnan Myall, 21 Jack Willis, 22 Joe Simpson, 23 Josh Bassett
Venue: Welford Road
Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
Referee: Luke Pearce
Assistant referees: Craig Maxwell-Keys, Jack Makepeace
TMO: David Grashoff