Northampton Saints v London Irish: Full team news for Friday's game at Franklin's Gardens

George Furbank is fit to return to action for Saints against London Irish at Franklin's Gardens on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).
George FurbankGeorge Furbank
George Furbank

Furbank has been nursing a calf problem since the win at Worcester Warriors at the end of March, but he is now ready to wear the 15 shirt again, making his 50th Saints appearance in the process.

Furbank comes in for Tommy Freeman, who suffered a knee injury, which is expected to sideline the talented 20-year-old for a couple of weeks, against Ulster last weekend.

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Taqele Naiyaravoro also misses out against Irish due to concussion, meaning Tom Collins starts on the wing.

Fraser Dingwall, who, like Furbank, will hit a half-century of Saints appearances this weekend, replaces Rory Hutchinson at outside centre.

In the pack, Nick Auterac and Mike Haywood are in for Alex Waller and Sam Matavesi in the front row.

Alex Moon comes in for Alex Coles.

Owen Franks (foot), Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi (Achilles), Courtney Lawes (pectoral), Ryan Olowofela (ankle), Matt Proctor (calf), Api Ratuniyarawa (shoulder) and Kayde Sylvester (Achilles) are all on the injured list.

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Saints: Furbank; Sleightholme, Dingwall, Francis, Collins; Biggar, Mitchell; Auterac, Haywood, Hill; Ribbans, Moon; Isiekwe, Ludlam (c), Harrison.

Replacements: Matavesi, Waller, Painter, Coles, Wood, James, Hutchinson, Tuala.

London Irish: Parton, Loader, Stokes, Hepetema, Hassell-Collins; Jackson, Phipps; Dell, Matu’u, Chawatama; Munga, Simmons; Donnell, Cowan (c), Tuisue.

Replacements: Cornish, Elrington, Hoskins, Nott, Rogerson, Meehan, Cokanasiga, Homer.

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