TEAM NEWS | Van Velze and Denton start against Irish

Back row duo David Denton and GJ van Velze are both restored to Warriors’ Aviva Premiership starting line-up for this Friday night’s clash with London Irish at Sixways (kick-off 7.45pm).

Van Velze returns following a rib knock while Denton has impressed in the recent block of European Challenge Cup matches to earn a starting spot as Gary Gold’s side look to pull away from Irish at the bottom of the table.

The rest of the starting line-up is unchanged from the one that took on Sale Sharks three weeks ago, as Chris Pennell, Bryce Heem and Josh Adams form the pacey back three with Jackson Willison and Ryan Mills in the centre.

Francois Hougaard and Jono Lance complete the half-back combination.

Ethan Waller, Jack Singleton and Nick Schonert start in the front row while skipper Donncha O’Callaghan and Will Spencer maintain their places in the second row.

Sam Lewis joins Denton and Van Velze in the back row.

Darren Barry, Sam Olver and Perry Humphreys are called up to the squad as replacements after shining in the past couple of weeks against Oyonnax.

Warriors have picked up 13 points in their last four Premiership outings to move off the bottom of the table and sit six points ahead of Irish going into the clash.

Warriors
15 Chris Pennell
14 Bryce Heem
13 Jackson Willison
12 Ryan Mills
11 Josh Adams
10 Jono Lance
9 Francois Hougaard
1 Ethan Waller
2 Jack Singleton
3 Nick Schonert
4 Donncha O’Callaghan (C)
5 Will Spencer
6 David Denton
7 Sam Lewis
8 GJ van Velze

Replacements
16 Joe Taufete’e
17 Ryan Bower
18 Gareth Milasinovich
19 Darren Barry
20 Alafoti Faosiliva
21 Michael Dowsett
22 Sam Olver
23 Perry Humphreys