Steele set to bring up his ton with Irish

SCRUM-HALF Scott Steele starts for London Irish on his 100th appearance for the Exiles in their Championship Cup clash with Cornish Pirates looking to back uip last week’s 35-7 win at Hartpury.

Terrence Hepetema is set to make his debut for the club after being named at inside-centre, accompanying academy graduate Tom Fowlie who wears 13.

Stephen Myler retains his place at fly-half and partners Steele at the heart of the Exiles’ backline.

Napolioni Nalaga continues his comeback from injury and gets the nod in a backline made up of England U20 international winger Ben Loader and full-back Greig Tonks.

Lovejoy Chawatama switches sides at the front of the scrum and packs down with former Wallaby Saia Fainga’a and Ollie Hoskins.

Barney Maddison captains the side alongside Sebastian De Chaves in the second row whilst Max Northcote-Green, Isaac Curtis-Harris and Jake Schatz make up the back row.

Pirates, beaten 38-29 by Irish in the league recently, make five changes to the side that saw off Bedford 22-20 last weekend.

Rory Parata and Harry Strong join up in the centres, AJ Cant comes in on the wing, Jake Clemson at lock and Matt Bolwell on the blindside flank.

Player-coach Chris Morgan said: “It was pleasing to get off to a good start with a win against Bedford Blues last Sunday. Selection-wise we are bit light with international calls and dual-registered players being back at Exeter, however this provides a great opportunity for some of the younger guys to step in.”