FREDDIE Burns will start at inside centre for Gloucester tomorrow – underlining Nigel Davies' aims to expand the Cherry and Whites' gameplan.
The new England cap returns to the Gloucester line-up after helping Stuart Lancaster's men see off New Zealand 38-21.
But rather than slot back in at fly-half – he will make his first Gloucester start in the 12 shirt.
Tim Taylor takes up the number ten shirt, with Billy Twelvetrees rested.
Gloucester take on London Irish at the Madejski Stadium tomorrow (kick-off 3pm) – the first part of a testing double-header against the Exiles.
Number eight Gareth Evans and flanker Matt Cox have a chance to impress from the off, with England man Ben Morgan taking a seat on the bench.
Gloucester face Irish three times in the next five weeks – the Kingsholm Premiership clash on January 5 coming quickly after this European double-header.
With league contests against Exeter Chiefs and Leicester Tigers sandwiched in between across the Christmas run, Kingsholm rugby director Davies admitted the sequence will be pivotal to Gloucester's season.
Davies explained: "Absolutely this sequence could define the season.
"If we look ahead to the next series of games we know how important they are.
"But we're putting all that on hold for the minute because we're trying to grow and progress our game, while at the same time throwing everything at trying to win this match this weekend."
Davies wants Gloucester to produce a more expansive, attacking game in Reading.
He knows there could be teething problems, but he believes this is the ideal time to test his squad.
Burns' selection at inside centre will no doubt help with that process, and could allow the natural playmaker more room for manoeuvre.
Twelvetrees' defensive acumen has been central to Gloucester's impressive early-season form, and no doubt Burns will be tasked with greater defensive responsibility in this new role too.
GLOUCESTER: Martyn Thomas, Charlie Sharples, Tim Molenaar, Freddie Burns, Shane Monahan, Tim Taylor, Dan Robson, Nick Wood, Huia Edmonds, Shaun Knight, Tom Savage, Jim Hamilton (capt), Sione Kalamafoni, Matt Cox, Gareth Evans. Replacements: Darren Dawidiuk, Dan Murphy, Rupert Harden, Will James, Ben Morgan, Dave Lewis, Mike Tindall, Rob Cook.
