Armitage set to start against Sarries

Published 24 Dec 2009 12:00 0 Comments

DELON Armitage returns to the London Irish starting line-up when the Exiles meet Saracens in the Guinness Premiership at Madejski Stadium on Sunday (3pm ko).

Having returned to action for the Exiles with a try-scoring appearance off the bench in last weekend's win over Brive in the Heineken Cup, the England international will start at full back on Sunday.

In the only change in personnel in last week's starting XV, Peter Hewat switches to the left wing to accommodate Armitage's return with John Rudd moving to the replacements.

"We rediscovered our early season try-scoring form over the past fortnight in the back-to-back matches with Brive in the Heineken Cup," said Toby Booth, London Irish Head Coach.

"Not only did that bring a timely confidence boost for all concerned, it was also encouraging to see that seven different players from both backs and forwards touched down for important scores.

"As every follower of club rugby in these parts knows Saracens' Director of Rugby is Brendan Venter, who ranks among the best of our former players and coaches.

"Brendan's achievements in the game speak for themselves and he is already leaving his mark on the 'Men in Black'.

"We will have to produce an outstanding performance if we are to beat his team. With the enthusiastic backing of our supporters I'm confident that we can do so," Booth concluded.

Advance ticket sales for the top of the table match are already over 18,000.

Irish team; 15. Delon Armitage; 14. Tom Homer; 13. Elvis Seveali'i; 12. Seilala Mapusua; 11. Peter Hewat; 10. Chris Malone; 9. Alfredo Lalanne; 1. Clarke Dermody; 2. David Paice, 3. Paulica Ion; 4. Nick Kennedy; 5. Bob Casey (captain); 6. Richard Thorpe; 7. Steffon Armitage; 8. Chris Hala'Ufia.

Replacements: 16. Danie Coetzee; 17. Dan Murphy; 18. Faan Rautenbach; 19. Kieran Roche; 20. George Stowers; 21. John Rudd; 22. Peter Richards; 23. Ryan Lamb.

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