Exiles duo in fitness race

Sportsdesk • Published 24 Feb 2010 15:00 0 Comments

LONDON Irish could be boosted by the return of two of their most influential players for Sunday's massive Guinness Premiership clash with bitter rivals Harlequins (3pm ko).

The Exiles have gone seven weeks without a win in any competition since beating then-leaders Saracens at the end of December.

However, England lock Nick Kennedy and Samaon winger Sailosi Tagicakibau both look like they are winning their battles to be fit for the visit of Quins to the Madejksi Stadium.

Kennedy has not played since January's 11-11 Heineken Cup draw with Leinster. But having narrowly missed out last week, he is expected to reignite his second row partnership with skipper Bob Casey.

Tagicakibau has played only twice since limping off in October's draw with Quins at the Stoop.

But he returned to full training this week and is thought to be in with a good chance of making the starting XV on Sunday.

Another boost for the Exiles ahead of the visit of their nearest rivals is that England flanker Steffon Armitage has been given the green light to play by Martin Jonhson after missing out on a place in the squad for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Ireland.

He made an instant impact in his return to the Irish team by scoring a try against Newcastle last Saturday and should start on the openside again.

Elsewhere in the backrow George Stowers will continue at number eight as Chris Hala'Ufia serves his final game of a four week suspension.

The Exiles will be without England duo Paul Hodgson and Delon Armitage, while prop Paulica Ion is unavailable because of Romania's World Cup qualifier in Russia.

Versatile back Peter Richards should be fit and will battle it out with Argentine ace Alfredo Lalanne for a start at scrum half.

Irish have had the slight edge over their rivals the last two seasons, winning three and drawing one of their six games in all competition.

But Quins have won the last two matches at the Madesjki Stadium.

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