Exiles on a wing and a prayer as pace men return

LONDON IRISH have it all to do when they face Heineken Cup champions Leinster in a decisive Pool Six showdown at Twickenham today.

Last weekend’s shock defeat to the Scarlets means their opening-day win at the RDS could be for nothing as they need a five-point swing to top the group, although head coach Toby Booth is adamant all-out attack is not an option.

Irish have only secured two try bonus points so far in the competition, but they are boosted by the news that captain Bob Casey has shaken off a back problem to line up in the second row.

And their attacking options have been augmented by the return from injury of Topsy Ojo and Sailosi Tagicakibau on the right and left wings respectively.

That could prove crucial on the open expanses of Twickenham – where the game has been moved to due to Reading, Irish’s landlords at the Madesjki Stadium, hosting Burnley in an FA Cup fourth round tie this afternoon.

Leinster will be roared on by a travelling army of 7,500 fans as they look to secure their last eight spot, with Michael Cheika making just two changes to the side that beat Brive 27-10 last weekend.

Both of those come in the front row, with Bernard Jackman coming in at hooker and CJ van der Linde taking the number three jersey.

And if Leinster are looking for good omens ahead of the game, then referee Nigel Owens could certainly suffice. It was the Welshman who officiated their victories in over Harlequins in last season’s quarter-final, Munster in the last four and then Leicester in the final.

As Booth said – with tongue firmly in cheek – earlier in the week: “We have to beware of their lucky charm.”

Yet with Irish requiring at least four tries to progress, Booth’s side has a distinctly attacking flavour to it, with Ojo recalled for his first start of the season after an horrendous spell with injuries.

The fly-half shirt has been handed to Chris Malone, but don’t be surprised to see Ryan Lamb come off the bench in the latter stages.

With the game stretched, the former Gloucester man could provide the spark that would see Irish pull off mission improbable and top the pool.