London Irish may have climbed second after the last round of Guinness Premiership matches but they are expecting a tough clash at Bristol tomorrow.

The Exiles want to continue their recent run of good form.

They have lost only once in their last nine matches – and that defeat came in the first round of the EDF Energy Cup at Worcester.

Head coach Toby Booth has been able to select from a squad with more depth than has been the case in recent weeks.

Irish are still without second row Nick Kennedy and full-back Delon Armitage, who start for England against the All Blacks at Twickenham this afternoon.

But they can name a side including nine internationals, including Ireland second row and Exiles skipper Bob Casey.

Former Bath and England back Mike Catt, who is now attack coach at the Exiles, has decided against picking himself. Ex-Bristol and Gloucester scrum-half Peter Richards is injured, while another ex-Memorial Stadium favourite, James Bailey, is away with the England Sevens squad in Dubai.

Former Colston's School pupil Shane Geraghty starts in the No 10 shirt and partners another ex-Memorial Stadium favourite, Paul Hodgson.

"The Memorial Stadium is always a tough place to go," said Booth.

"I've no doubt that Bristol will have targeted their home games as 'must wins'.

"And, given their past home record against us, they will fancy their chances of turning us over. Richard Hill and Paul Hull are a very good coaching team and, with John Brain involved with the forwards, you know they will always compete and will do so for 85 minutes."

London Irish: P Hewat; T Ojo, E Seveali'i, S Mapusua, S Tagicakibau; S Geraghty, P Hodgson; C Dermody, D Paice, T Lea'aetoa, B Casey (capt), K Roche, D Danaher, S Armitage, C Hala'Ufia. Reps: D Murphy, J Buckland, A Corbisiero, G Johnson, R Thorpe, A Lalanne, C Gower.