Preview: Wasps v Sale
Sale Sharks have given Dafydd James his club debut for the Guinness Premiership clash with Wasps at Adams Park on Sunday.
Sale Sharks have given Dafydd James his club debut for the Guinness Premiership clash with Wasps at Adams Park on Sunday.
The 2001 Lions winger, who joined the club from Cardiff Blues earlier this week, makes his debut on the wing, whilst Lee Thomas, Dwayne Peel and Neil Briggs return from injury.
Dean Schofield and Kristian Ormsby have recovered from knocks sustained at Bath last Saturday to take their places in the squad and Ben Cohen plays at full -back for the first time for the club.
“The level of training has been really high this week, driven by the players who are all looking forward to what we know will be a tough, physical encounter,” said Director of Rugby, Kingsley Jones.
“It's great to be welcoming back players who have recovered from injury to the 23, and we're looking forward to seeing Dafydd James make his debut.”
Meanwhile, Serge Betsen will captain the men in black and gold against Sale Sharks, following recovery from an elbow injury.
Betsen is joined by Paul Sackey, Tom Varndell and Warren Fury, now fully fit after sustaining a fractured cheekbone, foot sprain, and ankle injury respectively. Joe Worsley also returns after sickness ruled him out of the Newcastle clash last weekend.
Saxons' Danny Cipriani, Rob Webber and skipper George Skivington also feature – Dominic Waldouck does not however, he will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks after sustaining a shoulder injury whilst on international duty.
In the front row Ben Broster switches places with Bob Baker who is named on the bench.
“Winning at Newcastle last weekend was particularly pleasing, as the 23 who played were the only 23 we had available due to injuries and international call-ups – so it is good to see our numbers go up this week,” said Wasps Head Coach Tony Hanks.
“Battling with such a lengthy injury list, it is really pleasing for the players, coaches and medical team to welcome back Serge Betsen, Paul Sackey, Warren Fury and Tom Varndell this weekend.
“Adding man power with our returning Saxons' George Skivington, Rob Webber and Danny Cipriani, means it has been a good week in training and everyone is really focused on a strong performance on home turf.
“Games between Wasps and Sale usually provide plenty of entertainment and we're determined to reverse last season's results against the side.”
Form: Wasps have slipped to successive defeats in the Guinness Premiership but have not lost three in a row in the competition since the start of the 2008/09 season. Sale Sharks have lost their last four matches in all competitions since their 21-16 victory over Harlequins at Edgeley Park in the Guinness Premiership on New Year's Day. The Sharks' only away win in the Premiership since January 2009 was 24-17 at Leeds on 22 November. Sale have won three of their last four encounters with Wasps.
The teams:
Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Steve Kefu, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Warren Fury, 8 Dan Ward-Smith, 7 Serge Betsen (C), 6 Joe Worsley, 5 George Skivington, 4 Marty Veale, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Gabriel Bocca, 18 Bob Baker, 19 Hugo Ellis, 20 Will Matthews, 21 Mark Robinson, 22 Dave Walder, 23 David Lemi.
Sale: 15 Ben Cohen, 14 Dafydd James, 13 David Bishop, 12 Lee Thomas, 11 David Doherty, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Richard Wigglesworth, 8 Sisaro Koyamaibole, 7 David Seymour, 6 Carl Fearns, 5 James Gaskell, 4 Dean Schofield (capt), 3 Martin Halsall, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Eifion Roberts.
Replacements: 16 Neil Briggs, 17 Rob O'Donnell, 18 Gavin Kerr, 19 Sean Cox, 20 Kristian Ormsby, 21 Dwayne Peel, 22 Oriol Ripol, 23 Ed Styles.
Date: Sunday, February 14
Kick-off: 16:30
Venue: Adams Park
Referee: Rob Debney