Exiles coach plotting shock success

London Irish boss Brian Smith wants the Exiles to “steal a win” when they tackle Guinness Premiership rivals Newcastle at Kingston Park tomorrow night.

Irish could move into the Premiership’s top four by defeating Jonny Wilkinson and company, but their task will not be easy against a Falcons side boosted by skipper Colin Charvis’ return from international duty with Wales.

“Kingston Park is a difficult ground to win at,” conceded rugby director Smith. “But we are going up there to steal a win.”

Irish crushed a weakened Bath side 36-13 last weekend, and Smith has made three changes, with former Springboks hooker Danie Coetzee handed a first start, wing Justin Bishop replacing an injured Scott Staniforth and Ben Willis being given scrum-half duties.

Lock Ryan Strudwick, meanwhile, will emulate Bishop and prop Neal Hatley in making his 200th appearance for Irish if he is used off the replacements’ bench.

“We dedicated our European Challenge Cup win in Pau to Neal Hatley, as it was his 200th game for the club, and we will be doing the same on Friday for Ryan Strudwick,” Smith added.

“He has been a magnificent player for London Irish, and we will all be giving 120% to ensure that he has a memorable victory to celebrate the milestone.”

Number-eight Charvis, meanwhile, features among five changes in the Newcastle line-up following a 27-20 defeat at Gloucester last time out that left Falcons in 11th place.

All the switches are up front, with Charvis being joined by flanker Ben Woods, lock Geoff Parling, prop Grant Anderson and hooker Andy Long in receiving a call-up.

“We are paying the price in our league position for a couple of disappointing defeats at home which have cost us dearly,” said Wilkinson.

“It’s not a nice place to be down that end of the table, but it is all about getting the right results from now and getting on a run. London Irish have done just that, and momentum is a powerful thing.”

Worcester, conquerors of Leicester at Sixways last Friday, are unchanged for tomorrow night’s trip to face Sale Sharks, with prop Tony Windo continuing as captain due to Pat Sanderson’s England commitments.

The Warriors are also without Wales prop Chris Horsman, who packs down against Fiji tomorrow night, but an experienced line-up still includes an international presence in the likes of wing Thinus Delport, centre Thomas Lombard and scrum-half Andy Gomarsall.

Victory for Sale could open up an eight-point gap at the top, given that their closest rivals Wasps, Gloucester and Leicester all play on Saturday.

The Sharks welcome back centre Mark Taylor and number eight Sebastien Chabal from international duty, but Taylor’s usual midfield partner Elvis Seveali’i has a hamstring injury and is replaced by Robert Todd.