Preview: Wasps v London Irish
Wasps welcome back Ben Jacobs, Dave Walder and Joe Simpson for Sunday's clash with London Irish at Adams Park.
Wasps welcome back Ben Jacobs, Dave Walder and Joe Simpson for Sunday's clash with London Irish at Adams Park.
Jacobs and Walder both return from knee injuries whilst Simpson has recovered from a tight hamstring complaint that ruled him out of last weekend's LV=Cup clash with Bath.
With Walder back at fly-half, Mark Van Gisbergen moves to full-back, forcing Jack Wallace to the bench. Jacobs replaces Dom Waldouck, ruled out due to injury, and Simpson replaces Nic Berry who is named on the bench.
In the pack, Rob Webber is replaced by Joe Ward. Webber is ruled out after sustaining a bicep injury. Ward's promotion from the bench sees Tom Lindsay join the match 23. The only other change to the starting XV is the return of Simon Shaw from England. He replaces Marty Veale who is named on the bench.
“Last weekend's performance against Bath was certainly an improvement on the Exeter display and that is something we now need to build on,” said Wasps Rugby Director Tony Hanks.
“It was good to see more control throughout the game but we did make things hard for ourselves towards the end and let our guard down at critical times. On Sunday we need to ensure that doesn't happen again – discipline in all aspects will be key to achieving the right result
“In terms of selection we are pleased to welcome Dave Walder, Joe Simpson and Ben Jacobs back from injury. Simon Shaw's presence is also a huge boost going into this game.”
Meanwhile, London Irish welcome back six players. Clarke Dermody, Bob Casey, Topsy Ojo, Paul Hodgson, Ryan Lamb and Kieran Roche all return to the starting line up. Jamie Lennard retains his position as full-back.
“There's been a different buzz in training this week. We're refreshed and excited to be getting back into the Premiership,” said London Irish Head Coach Toby Booth.
“We're looking forward to a game with some free flowing, quick ball which allows opportunities for attack. As winter conditions start to come into play dominance in the set piece will also be key in pressurising defences in order to get the rewards.”
Form: London Wasps have won two of their last three games in all competitions. In Aviva Premiership Rugby the away team has won the last three games that Wasps have played. London Irish top the Aviva Premiership Rugby table but have lost their last two outings – both in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. The Exiles have suffered just one reversal in the Premiership so far this season: 13-20 at Bath in round two. The last four meetings between the two rivals in the Premiership have all been won by the home side on the day, whilst London Irish have won just once before in nine previous visits to Adams Park in all competitions: 56-37 on 30 April 2006.
The teams:
Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Richard Haughton, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Steve Kefu, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Dan Ward-Smith, 7 Tom Rees (c), 6 Joe Worsley, 5 James Cannon, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Joe Ward, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements:16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Shaun Ruwers, 18 Bob Baker, 19 Marty Veale, 20 Serge Betsen, 21 Nic Berry, 22 Seb Jewell, 23 Jack Wallace.
London Irish: 15 Jamie Lennard, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Elvis Seveali'i, 12 Daniel Bowden, 11 Jonathan Joseph, 10 Ryan Lamb, 9 Paul Hodgson, 8 Chris Hala'ufia, 7 Steffon Armitage, 6 Kieran Roche, 5 Bob Casey, 4 Nick Kennedy, 3 Faan Rautenbach, 2 David Paice, 1 Clarke Dermody (c).
Replacements: 16 James Buckland, 17Alex Corbisiero, 18 Paulica Ion, 19 Matt Garvey, 20 Richard Thorpe, 21 Marcus Watson, 22 Chris Malone, 23 Darren Allinson
Date: Sunday, November 21
Venue: Adams Park
Kick-off: 14.00 GMT
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (NZRU)