IT will come as no surprise to London Irish supporters to find Victor Costello's name missing from their programme later today when they arrive to watch the Exiles play Saracens. The Irish international number eight has developed a crab-like tendency to move across the field of play rather than forward.
With the exception of an outstanding display against Northampton in the Exiles solitary victory this season, Costello has been less than impressive and he has not even been able to command a place on the replacements' bench today. Into his place steps Barry Walsh.
There is more than just a club place at stake for Walsh after his promising trial match performance in a Munster jersey three weeks ago. Irish selectors may be wondering whether he could step up to fill Costello's boots on the international stage as well.
Walsh's move to number eight means there is space at blindside flanker for Keiron Dawson, last season with Bangor, to make his Courage League debut.
Otherwise coach Clive Woodward has resisted the temptation to tinker too much with the side. Centre Phil Drury and hooker Ivan Thomas are retained despite their nervous debuts last week against Sale.
There is also a return to a conventional numbering system after the backs took to the field with random digits. The effect was to confuse themselves as much as their opponents.
Saracens will be desperately trying to bounce back after a shock defeat against West Hartlepool last week. Former Australian international prop Tony Daly becomes the latest addition to the north London club's league of nations.
Bath are still without the injured Simon Geoghegan but are not feeling his loss too severely. Rotating the squad has meant that England international Jon Sleightholme returns on the wing for the visit of West Hartlepool while Brian Cusack, a summer signing from Bective Rangers, comes into the second row for his league debut.
Harlequins and Wasps, the league's only two unbeaten clubs after four games, face potentially tricky away fixtures. Harlequins, the league leaders on points difference, go to Northampton and have named Will Carling as their preferred goal kicker over Michael Corcoran despite the former England captain injuring an ankle in midweek.
