In the back division, Will Greenwood is back in the side for the first time since mid-December having recovered from a shoulder operation. His return means Gavin Duffy moves to full back where he replaces Tom Williams, who misses out due to a shoulder injury.

Greenwood will be partnered in the midfield by Dafydd James, who missed the Northampton game to be at the birth of his son Aled. James comes in for Mel Deane, who drops to the bench, while Ugo Monye has recovered from a calf injury and replaces Simon Keogh on the left wing.

In the pack, Tani Fuga will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury he sustained at Franklins Gardens, so his place at hooker goes to James Hayter.

On the bench, Roy Winters takes over from Simon Maling, who suffered concussion against Northampton, and Jeremy Staunton returns from a quad strain that forced him to withdraw from the team two weeks ago.

"Whilst our main focus is to qualify for the Wild Card play-offs and the chance to win a place in next season's Heineken Cup, we still have to secure our place in the top flight and a win on Saturday will go a long way to help us achieving both goals," said Mark Evans, NEC Harlequins Chief Executive.

"Matches against London Irish are always eagerly anticipated by everyone associated at each club. After being on the wrong end of an 18-12 scoreline at Twickenham on the opening day of the season, there is a need to avenge that result and performance which were both very disappointing."

"Despite a poor run of results just recently, Irish have shown this season that they have the ability to compete with the best this league has to offer, with victories away at Sale Sharks and Saracens testament to that."

The full team is as follows:

15. Gavin Duffy
14. George Harder
13. Will Greenwood
12. Dafydd James
11. Ugo Monye
10. Arwel Thomas
9. Steve So'oialo
1. Mike Worsley
2. James Hayter
3. Ceri Jones
4. Jim Evans
5. Simon Miall
6. Nick Easter
7. Andre Vos (Capt.)
8. Tony Diprose

Replacements:
16. Ace Tiatia
17. Jon Dawson
18. Roy Winters
19. Luke Sherriff
20. Simon Keogh
21. Jeremy Staunton
22. Mel Deane