Preview: Wasps v Bath

Editor

Bath boss Mike Ford has made six changes for his side's Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Wasps on Sunday at Adams Park.

Bath boss Mike Ford has made six changes for his side's Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Wasps on Sunday at Adams Park.

Anthony Perenise, Dominic Day, Guy Mercer, Peter Stringer, Jonathan Joseph and Semesa Rokoduguni all return to the starting lineup after last week's bonus point win over Worcester Warriors.

Perenise makes up a dynamic front-row with Nathan Catt and Rob Webber, as Dominic Day takes his place at second-row alongside captain Stuart Hooper. Guy Mercer comes onto the openside flank, joined by the powerful duo of Matt Garvey and Leroy Houston to complete the pack.

Peter Stringer combines with George Ford in the half-backs and Jonathan Joseph resumes his midfield partnership with Kyle Eastmond. The potent duo of Matt Banahan and Semesa Rokoduguni line up on the wings, as the elusive Nick Abendanon starts at full-back.

Meanwhile, there is only one change to the London Wasps squad that recorded a bonus-point win against Gloucester in “The Stinger” at Twickenham last weekend.

Phil Swainston starts at tighthead in place of Jake Cooper-Woolley, who is ruled out through injury. Taione Vea comes onto the bench.

The teams:

Wasps: 15 Andrea Masi, 14 Will Helu, 13 Elliot Daly, 12 Chris Bell (c), 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 James Haskell, 6 Ashley Johnson, 5 Kearnan Myall, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Phil Swainston, 2 Carlo Festuccia, 1 Matt Mullan
Replacements: 16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Simon McIntyre, 18 Taione Vea, 19 Tom Palmer, 20 Sam Jones, 21 Charlie Davies, 22 Joe Carlisle, 23 Charlie Hayter

Bath: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Kyle Eastmond, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 George Ford, 9 Peter Stringer, 8 Leroy Houston, 7 Guy Mercer, 6 Matt Garvey, 5 Dominic Day, 4 Stuart Hooper (c), 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Nathan Catt
Replacements: 16 Ross Batty, 17 Paul James, 18 David Wilson, 19 Alafoti Fa'osiliva, 20 Carl Fearns, 21 Micky Young, 22 Gavin Henson, 23 Anthony Watson

Date: Sunday 27th April
Venue: Adams Park
Kick-off: 1300 BST
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: Jérôme Garcès (France), Pascal Gauzère (France)
Television match official: Eric Gauzins (France)