Focus on London Irish

By Jason Harris
September 12 2002

Saracens must be on top form if they are to record their first win against Irish since their move to Reading FC's Madeijski Sadium

London Irish were one of the best teams in England last season and despite their shaky start this time around – losing narrowly at home to Bath and being on the wrong end of 40 points at Leeds - they will be out to prove that their form in 2001-02 was no flash in the pan.

Saracens have had the better of the meetings between the two sides since the start of professionalism, but have yet to register a win at the excellent Madeijski Stadium against the side whose spiritual home remains in Sunbury. Irish held on last year to complete a notable league double (after a 55-13 annihilation of a young Sarries side at Watford) and the year before, Sarries gifted the men in green an early 21-point lead that they were never going to reverse.

Irish, even though they are almost at the foot of the table, are not pressing any panic buttons, however. The squad rotation policy implemented by Brendan Venter and Conor O’Shea continues this weekend and the two changes to the starting side against Leeds are in the front row where prop Neal Hatley and hooker Naka Drotske come in for Mike Worsley (bench) and Richard Kirke (rested) respectively. The front row is completed by international Rob Hardwick. Lock Ryan Strudwick captains the side from the second row and is supported by internationals Kieran Dawson and Bob Casey, along with England A man Declan Danaher.

The hosts’ back line is one full of exciting players. Horak, Bishop, Appleford and new boy Pieter Russouw are all internationals and Paul Sackey has burned Sarries on more than one occasion in the past with his out-and-out pace. Half back Darren Edwards is still mysteriously absent from the Welsh set-up, much to the bemusement of the Irish followers, and he will give Kyran Bracken a more than a few things to worry about. These half dozen are capable of tearing apart any defence that gives them the slightest chink of light.

Last, but not least, comes outside half Barry Everitt. Relatively unknown until last season, the metronomic place-kicker booted his side into this year’s Heineken Cup and their supporters into seventh heaven as Irish destroyed Saints in the Powergen Cup final. Saracens’ improved discipline against Bath will have to be at least as good again if they are to come away from Reading with a win. Everitt will punish any indescretion within his sizeable kicking range so Sarries will have to be careful out there.