Leeds Tykes' director of rugby Phil Davies is hoping his side can build on their opening victory when they welcome London Irish to Headingley on Sunday.

"Obviously, everyone was delighted with the performance and result last week and it was a great way to get the season started. The players worked incredibly hard in pre-season and it was good to see that hard work paying off.

"However, this week we face another tough task, perhaps even harder given the expectations that others may have for us now. Last week was a great day for the club but we can not begin to think that we have achieved anything yet. Irish will come to Headingley in determined mood having just lost out last week and I am sure that Brendan Venter will have them fired up for the match.

"Irish can be a real inspiration for us this year after their fantastic efforts last season. The experts did not give the Exiles much chance at the start of the season, however they showed a great team spirit and collectiveness that saw them have a successful year, culminating in the Powergen Cup Final. They are really beginning to create a tradition down at Reading now and I am sure they will be looking to build on last season this term.

"I was delighted to see three of our players named in the England training squad this week. Dan Scarbrough is a good player and he's going to be something special.

"I've spoken to Clive Woodward about him and the England coaching staff rate him very highly. He is a long, long way from being the finished article, but having said that, you couldn't ask for the lad to be more into his job. He's outstanding and he wants to learn and develop all aspects of his game.

"Tom Palmer has taken his game to another level. He's looking quite exceptional. Ben Kay is one of the best in the world and Tom had a great game against him last weekend. Tom needs to produce that performance week in and week out, month in and month out. There is a World Cup coming up and if he can do that, he won't be too far away from the England team. Ronnie Regan had a tremendous game for us last week and it was no surprise that he was included amongst the elite.

"It is good for the other players to see they can have that opportunity at the highest level and I am sure that this will be something that others will aspire to in the coming months if they concentrate on their efforts.

Davies has named an unchanged side for Sunday's game against London Irish. Braam van Straaten has recovered from a head injury he sustained in the win
over Leicester. Gavin Kerr retains his place in the front row, with Justin Wring recovering from a calf strain on the bench.

15. Dan Scarbrough
14. George Harder
13. Tristan Davies
12. Braam van Straaten
11. Diego Albanese
10. Gordon Ross
9. Derek Hegarty
1. Mike Shelley (c)
2. Mark Regan
3. Gavin Kerr
4. Chris Murphy
5. Tom Palmer
6. Cameron Mather
7. Dan Hyde
8. Isaac Feaunati

Replacements
16. Justin Wring
17. Matt Holt
18. Stewart Campbell
19. Carl Hogg
20. Alan Dickens
21. Chris Hall
22. Craig Emmerson