By Tom Powell.
London Irish are hoping the momentum from last season's strong finish will allow them to get off to the best possible start against Saracens in this afternoon's Guinness Premiership opener at Twickenham.
After a strong pre-season Saracens coach Brendan Venter also believes his side have had the best possible preparation for the all-London clash.
Irish finished third last season and are now looking forward to another successful campaign.
Head coach Toby Booth said: 'Our 2009/10 squad is the most competitive we've had in my eight seasons at the club and we're looking forward to competing in both the Guinness Premiership and in Europe.
'Our supporters are excited about what lies ahead and we want to show them the true colours and passion we represent.'
Paulica Ion, Ryan Lamb and Andy Perry are in the starting line-up and will make the Premiership debuts for the club in the showpiece double-header at Twickenham.
Booth knows the encounter will be a tough one against a Saracens side led by former Irish coach Venter.
Booth said: 'Brendan brings a lot of values, not least passion and organisation, to a good Saracens squad who will be full of confidence after a very convincing pre-season programme.'
Venter is also wary of his opposition but believes Saracens' pre-season has given his side momentum heading into the competitive games.
He said: 'Facing London Irish is a tough start. They are a very well coached side and they have some wonderful game-breakers who make things happen.
'But we've got some great players of our own, all of who are on form with good game time under their belts from pre-season. There's a good balance of youth and experience across the team and everyone in the squad is excited to be starting the new season.'
Saracens’ entire front row of Schalk Brits, Carlos Nieto and Rhys Gill will all be making their debuts for the club as will flanker Ernst Joubert.
Welsh number eight Michael Owen is also in line for his first appearance since missing the second half of last season through injury, but he will have to be content with a place on the bench.
London Irish are hoping the momentum from last season's strong finish will allow them to get off to the best possible start against Saracens in this afternoon's Guinness Premiership opener at Twickenham.
After a strong pre-season Saracens coach Brendan Venter also believes his side have had the best possible preparation for the all-London clash.
Irish finished third last season and are now looking forward to another successful campaign.
Head coach Toby Booth said: 'Our 2009/10 squad is the most competitive we've had in my eight seasons at the club and we're looking forward to competing in both the Guinness Premiership and in Europe.
'Our supporters are excited about what lies ahead and we want to show them the true colours and passion we represent.'
Paulica Ion, Ryan Lamb and Andy Perry are in the starting line-up and will make the Premiership debuts for the club in the showpiece double-header at Twickenham.
Booth knows the encounter will be a tough one against a Saracens side led by former Irish coach Venter.
Booth said: 'Brendan brings a lot of values, not least passion and organisation, to a good Saracens squad who will be full of confidence after a very convincing pre-season programme.'
Venter is also wary of his opposition but believes Saracens' pre-season has given his side momentum heading into the competitive games.
He said: 'Facing London Irish is a tough start. They are a very well coached side and they have some wonderful game-breakers who make things happen.
'But we've got some great players of our own, all of who are on form with good game time under their belts from pre-season. There's a good balance of youth and experience across the team and everyone in the squad is excited to be starting the new season.'
Saracens’ entire front row of Schalk Brits, Carlos Nieto and Rhys Gill will all be making their debuts for the club as will flanker Ernst Joubert.
Welsh number eight Michael Owen is also in line for his first appearance since missing the second half of last season through injury, but he will have to be content with a place on the bench.
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