Gloucester have made half a dozen changes to their starting line-up as they travel to take on London Irish at the Madejski Stadium in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday.

It’s an important game for both sides. The Cherry and Whites are looking to keep alive their top four ambitions, while Irish are running out of time to close the gap on Worcester Warriors at the foot of the table.

In a bid to change their fortunes, former Ireland head coach Declan Kidney and ex-Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss have joined the Exiles while director of rugby Nick Kennedy left the club this week.

Of Gloucester’s six changes, four are in the pack. Josh Hohneck, James Hanson and John Afoa come in to make up a new look front row, while Lewis Ludlow returns to the back row.

Tom Marshall replaces David Halaifonua on the left wing and Henry Trinder partners Mark Atkinson in the midfield to complete the changes from the side that started against Newcastle.

Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann said he is aware that the new coaching set-up at Irish could have an immediate impact.

“Obviously I think they will be a side who will be hungry and desperate,” he said. They’ve had a change in coaching staff and sometimes that can bring new energy and excitement. It’s also their St Patrick’s weekend and they will want to end the season well.

“It’s going to be a big test for us. If you analyse them, they’ve been competitive in most of their games, they’ve been unlucky in a lot of games and could easily have got over the winning line. They’re not a bad side, they have quality players all over, players who have the X factor.

“We will have to be at our best, we’re still searching for the 80-minute performance. We haven’t changed our approach or our preparation as a result of their changes. We know there’s a lot of experience gone in there, coaches who have achieved a lot and who will add value.

“It is knockout rugby, but I just want the players to go out and enjoy themselves and play the style of rugby that I want the club to eventually play. And we’ll live with the consequence and the result.

“But we’re not blind to the situation. If we want to have any success this season, then there’s not much room for error. So, it is a massive game in that sense, but it starts with us staying in the moment and staying in the process. We have to do our basics well.”

Gloucester Rugby: 15. Jason Woodward’ 14. Charlie Sharples, 13. Henry Trinder, 12. Mark Atkinson, 11. Tom Marshall’ 10. Billy Burns, 9. Willi Heinz capt)’ 1. Josh Hohneck, 2. James Hanson, 3. John Afoa’ 4. Tom Savage, 5. Mariano Galarza’ 6. Jake Polledri, 7. Lewis Ludlow, 8. Ruan Ackermann. Replacements: 16. Motu Matu’u, 17. Val Rapava Ruskin, 18. Gareth Denman, 19. Jeremy Thrush, 20. Freddie Clarke, 21. Callum Braley, 22. Billy Twelvetrees, 23. Tom Hudson. Unavailable for selection: Fraser Balmain, Lloyd Evans, Richard Hibbard, Henry Purdy, Jacob Rowan, Ed Slater, Ollie Thorley.

Meanwhile, Gloucester have confirmed that four of their brightest talents have agreed new deals with the Cherry and Whites.

Promising age group international quartet Alex Craig, Charlie Chapman, Aaron Hinkley and Tom Seabrook have become the latest young players at the club to put pen to paper on new deals with the club’s senior Academy.