Preview: Wasps v Dragons

Wasps have named an unchanged side as they look to complete back-to-back Heineken Cup wins against the Dragons on Sunday.

Wasps have named an unchanged starting line-up as they look to seal back-to-back victories against the Dragons at Adams Park on Sunday.

The Wycombe-based outfit took the honours in last weekend's clash at Cardiff City Stadium, and whilst Director of Rugby Tony Hanks shows faith in his men, he will be looking for an improved performance on home soil.

There are two changes on the bench though, with Will Matthews and Riki Flutey named. Flutey returns from a calf injury that has kept him sidelined since Wasps' Aviva Premiership clash with Northampton on October 24. He replaces Seb Jewell. Matthews comes in for Dan Ward-Smith who is rested with a back injury.

“While we expressed some disappointment in our own performance last week, ultimately we got the result we needed and we were put under pressure by a very good Dragons team. We know that at home we are going to have to play better and we are going to need an improved performance,” said Hanks.

“We are pleased to see Riki Flutey back to fitness and in the matchday squad. He has worked hard to come back from a lengthy calf injury and bolsters our bench for this important fixture.”

Meanwhile, Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner has stuck with Ashley Smith as his captain, with Will Harries returning to the starting line-up at full back. Luke Charteris makes a return from injury to start, while Danny Lydiate is named on the bench.

The other change in the back-line is Matthew Jones, who comes in for Jason Tovey. Adam Hughes, Aled Brew, Wayne Evans and Tom Riley all continue.

Injuries have forced changes in the forwards too, with a new look front-row of Hugh Gustafson, Steve Jones and Ben Castle. With squad captain Tom Willis still out, Lloyd Burns is on the bench, with Pat Palmer and the returning Gethin Robinson covering the prop positions.

The effective back-row combination of Lewis Evans, Gavin Thomas and Toby Faletau keep their places, and Scott Morgan partners Charteris at lock, with Rob Sidoli covering. The bench includes James Leadbeater, Pat Leach and Nathan Brew.

Wasps claimed a 23-16 victory in a tight game last weekend, and the Dragons will be keen to avenge their defeat in Cardiff.

The teams:

Wasps: 15 Mark van Gisbergen, 14 Tom Varndell, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Steve Kefu, 11 David Lemi, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Serge Betsen, 6 Joe Worsley, 5 James Cannon, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Joe Ward, 1 Zak Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Shaun Ruwers, 18 Bob Baker, 19 Marty Veale, 20 Will Matthews, 21 Nic Berry, 22 Riki Flutey, 23 Richard Haughton.

Dragons: 15 Will Harries, 14 Adam Hughes, 13 Tom Riley, 12 Ashley Smith, 11 Aled Brew, 10 Matthew Jones, 9 Wayne Evans, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Gavin Thomas, 6 Lewis Evans, 5 Scott Morgan, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Ben Castle, 2 Steve Jones, 1 Hugh Gustafson.
Replacements: 16 Lloyd Burns, 17 Gethin Robinson, 18 Pat Palmer, 19 Robert Sidoli, 20 Dan Lydiate, 21 James Leadbeater, 22 Nathan Brew, 23 Patrick Leach.

Date: Sunday, December 19
Kick-off: 13:00
Venue: Adams Park
Referee: Christophe Berdos (France)
Assistant referees: Jean-Luc Rebollal (France), Stephan Pomarède (France)
Assessor: Bertie Smith (Ireland)