Preview: Wasps v Newcastle

London Wasps have turned to influential flanker John Hart as leader for Sunday's Guinness Premiership clash with Newcastle.

Wasps have turned to influential flanker John Hart to lead the side out for Sunday's Guinness Premiership clash with Newcastle at Adams Park.

With Serge Betsen sidelined through injury, Hart, who captained Wasps in the 2007/8 season, has been asked to skipper.

Betsen is replaced in the starting XV by Will Matthews, with Wasps Director of Rugby Tony Hanks making five changes in total.

Danny Cipriani takes over at full-back from Mark van Gisburgen, while Dave Walder forms a new-look half-back pairing with Mark Robinson. Tom Varndell is named on the wing ahead of Paul Sackey.

On the bench new signing Sakaria Taulafo is set for his debut, with Marty Veale and James Honeyben also included.

“In terms of selection, this weekend's game gives us opportunity to play both Dave Walder and Danny Cipriani at the same time for the second time this season,” said Edwards.

“Moving Danny to full-back gives him an opportunity to show his versatility in a position that he is familiar with and allows Mark van Gisbergen to come onto the bench after a hugely impressive 782 minutes of rugby already this season.

“I thought Paul Sackey was back to his best against Harlequins, but again we are fortunate to have Tom Varndell, our top try scorer of the season, eager to get back into the mix and we can really utilise that competition and talent right through the squad.

“Given the nature of the game, it is very difficult for players to play week in week out for 35 or so games in a season, so for us it is about finding the right balance and getting the best out of the full squad.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle Falcons have made just one change to their side.

A calf injury picked up last weekend sees Micky Young miss out at scrum-half, as Hall Charlton steps up into the starting XV.

The only other changes to the squad come on the bench, where Matt Thompson is included at hooker and Chris Pilgrim steps up as replacement scrum-half.

Director of rugby Steve Bates, a former Wasps player himself, said: “Wasps will undoubtedly be a tough proposition on Sunday, but we have already shown at Bath and London Irish this season that we are capable of going to these places and winning.

“The players are all looking forward to the challenge in what is our first game of the new decade, and hopefully the chance to play on a firmer surface will allow more of our running game to come to the fore.”

Form: London Wasps have won their last four encounters in all competitions since losing 6-22 at Saracens in the Guinness Premiership on 22 November. Wasps' only defeat in their last 18 home games was 9-15 against Leeds on 1 November. Newcastle Falcons have slipped to three successive defeats in the Guinness Premiership since their 15-11 victory at London Irish on 22 November. Wasps have won their last six encounters with Newcastle in all competitions since the Falcons were victorious 37-11 at Kingston Park on 23 February 2007. Newcastle have never won in eight previous visits to Adams Park, whilst the Falcons only previous win on Wasps soil was 33-30 at Loftus Road on 11 November 2001.

The teams:

Wasps: 15 Danny Cipriani, 14 Tom Varndell , 13 Dominic Waldouck, 12 Steve Kefu, 11 David Lemi, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Mark Robinson, 8 Dan Ward-Smith, 7 Will Matthews, 6 John Hart (c), 5 George Skivington, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Sakaria Taulafo, 18 Bob Baker, 19 Marty Veale, 20 Dan Leo, 21 James Honeyben, 22 Ben Jacobs, 23 Mark Van Gisbergen

Newcastle: 15 Alex Tait, 14 Gcobani Bobo, 13 Rob Vickerman, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Charlie Amesbury, 10 Jimmy Gopperth; 9 H Charlton, 8 Filipo Levi, 7 Brent Wilson, 6 Josh Afu, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 James Hudson, 3 Carl Hayman (c), 2 Rob Vickers, 1 Jon Golding.
Replacements: 16 Matt Thompson, 17 Micky Ward, 18 Grant Shiells, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Will Welch, 21 Chris Pilgrim, 22 Rob Miller, 23 Tom Biggs.

Date: Sunday, January 3
Venue: Adams Park
Kick-off: 16.30
Referee:Tim Wigglesworth