Preview: Saracens v Wasps
Wasps have named their strongest team to play Saracens in their opening fixture of this season's Aviva Premiership on Saturday.
London Wasps have named their strongest team to play Saracens in their opening fixture of this season's Aviva Premiership at Twickenham.
Five of the starting team are new to Wasps with Hugo Southwell, Chris Bell, Nick Robinson, Marco Wentzel and Jonathan Poff all on debut.
Up front, Director of Rugby Dai Young has chosen an experienced pack with Tim Payne, cornering the scrum with Rob Webber and Ben Broster.
Established Wasps lock Richard Birkett packs down with former Sprinbok Marco Wentzel in the second-row while 20-year-old Joe Launchbury takes his place in the back-row alongside captain John Hart, and Jonathan Poff who has joined the club from the Canterbury Crusaders.
In the backs, Charlie Davies takes the number 9 shirt after an impressive pre-season, while Riki Flutey and Chris Bell take their places in the centre outside fly-half Nick Robinson.
Young has gone for gas on the wings, with speedsters Tom Varndell and Christian Wade starting while experienced Scottish fullback Hugo Southwell wears the number 15 shirt.
“We're coming into this on the back of a tough pre-season but this game will be a massive step-up for us. Saracens were deserved champions last year and we're under no illusions about the challenge they are going to present to us this weekend,” he said.
“I have been pleased with the progress we have made in the last few weeks and the players have shown tremendous attitude and commitment. If we can replicate that in this weekend's game we certainly have a chance.”
Meanwhile, Steve Borthwick leads Saracens in a side that also includes fellow England lock Mouritz Botha while Rhys Gill, Schalk Brits and Carlos Nieto make up the front row.
In the backs, Owen Farrell is named at fly-half with Adam Powell at centre alongside Brad Barritt. David Strettle, James Short and Alex Goode make up the back-three.
On the bench, new signings Charlie Hodgson, Ben Spencer and Duncan Taylor are all in line to make their full Saracens debuts.
Saracens are without Matt Stevens, Richard Wigglesworth, Chris Wyles, Hayden Smith, Jacques Burger, Kelly Brown, Michael Tagicakibau and John Smit who are all on Rugby World Cup duty.
Form: Saracens achieved the season's double over Wasps last year for the first time since 1997/98, whilst Wasps have not scored a try against Saracens for 327 playing minutes. Saracens, the reigning Aviva Premiership Rugby champions, have won just two of their seven previous London Double Header appearances. Director of Rugby Mark McCall has been a good luck charm for Saracens with a perfect played 11, won 11 record since he took over at the helm. London Wasps' only win in their last five Premiership matches was at home to relegated Leeds on 17 April. Wasps are winless in their last three visits to Twickenham.
The teams:
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 David Strettle, 13 Adam Powell, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 James Short, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Justin Melck, 5 Mouritz Botha, 4 Steve Borthwick (capt), 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Rhys Gill.
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Petrus du Plessis, 19 George Kruis, 20 Jackson Wray, 21 Ben Spencer, 22 Charlie Hodgson, 23 Duncan Taylor.
Wasps: 15 Hugo Southwell, 14 Tom Varndell, 13 Chris Bell, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Christian Wade, 10 Nicky Robinson, 9 Charlie Davies, 8 John Hart, 7 Jonathan Poff, 6 Joe Launchbury, 5 Marco Wentzel, 4 Richard Birkett, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Morris, 17 Jeremy Castex, 18 Bob Baker, 19 James Cannon, 20 Billy Vunipola, 21 Nic Berry, 22 Ryan Davis, 23 Richard Haughton.
Date: Saturday, September 3
Kick-off: 16:30 BST
Venue: Twickenham
Referee: JP Doyle