Published: Thursday, 13th November, 2008 10:00
Kennedy boost for Falcons trip
By John O'Sullivan
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Toby Booth has backed Nick Kennedy to get back in the England side
NICK Kennedy may have been deemed surplus to requirements for this weekend’s international against Australia – but his return is a massive boost for London Irish ahead of their clash with Newcastle Falcons on Sunday.
The Guinness Premiership is back after a six-week break and the Exiles will be eager to carry on where they left off. In their last outing they destroyed top of the table Sale 28-6 at the Madejski Stadium.
On paper, the trip to Tyneside looks like Irish’s easiest match so far, but the presence of Kennedy will be crucial in what should be a thrilling second row battle.
Only the 6ft 8in Irish lock has more lineout wins this season than Falcons Kiwi Mark Sorenson and it could be in those set plays where the game is won and lost.
Irish head coach Toby Booth said: “While it’s disappointing for Nick and the club that he has not been selected for England on Saturday, it is good news that he will be able to play for us at Kingston Park on Sunday”
Irish will be without key backs Delon Armitage (England) Seilala Mapasua and Sailosi Tagicakibau (both Pacific Islands) and lock Bob Casey (Ireland) through the autumn Internationals, which could see Shane Geraghty, Mike Catt, Gary Johnson and James Bailey all start.
The internationals will also deprive Newcastle of Chris Noon, but they are bolstered in the centre by the arrival of 27-year-old Tongan Tane Tu’ipulotu, who arrives fresh from a victorious season with Wellington Lions and is set to make his debut.
Another boost for Newcastle is the potential return of England Saxons prop David Wilson. Four weeks ago a muscle injury looked set to end his season, but he is back in full training and available for selection.
The form guide favours Toby Booth’s side as they have won the last five encounters between the two sides. And while Irish have won four on the spin in all competitions, the Falcons are on a three game losing streak.
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