Preview: Wasps v Saracens
Wasps have named an unchanged starting line-up for their Guinness Premiership clash against Saracens at Adams Park this Sunday.
London Wasps have named an unchanged starting line-up for their Guinness Premiership clash against Saracens at Adams Park this Sunday.
Mark Robinson is the only addition to the 23-man squad which defeated Sale 22-16 last week, coming back into the side after illness ruled him out against the northerners.
“We were pleased to get the victory against Sale, with a number of players having returned to the side,” said Director of Rugby, Tony Hanks.
“It was the first time that that group of players had played together in a month, following international call-ups and injuries, and we'll certainly be looking to build on last weekend's performance against Saracens on Sunday.
“While we were disappointed with our results in January, we actually played some good rugby and the last two games against Sale and Newcastle have shown that the players have taken some important lessons from last month's fixtures. The way we've addressed certain areas of concern, in particular our goal kicking, discipline in our half and scrummaging, has been very pleasing.
“We identified this block of games as being very important for all teams in the competition, in terms of positioning come May, and this is the second of two very important home fixtures for us. Combined with the London derby mentality, it sets up Sunday's game as a hugely competitive fixture and the squad are fully focused and motivated to perform well again in front of the Adams Park faithful.”
Meanwhile, Saracens have made four changes for the clash with front-row Matias Aguero back from international duty to start at loosehead prop.
Ethienne Reynecke gets a start at hooker. In the backs, Derick Hougaard starts the game on rotation with Glen Jackson named on the bench. The other change sees Noah Cato start on the wing. Schalk Brits, Rhys Gill, Jacques Burger and Justin Marshall are among those named on the bench.
“Against Worcester last week we were very flat in the first half but we just fought back and fought back,” said Venter.
“We then started to play how Saracens should play and that is exactly what we must do from the very first whistle at Wasps. They are a very good side with some fantastic individual players so this is a game we are really looking forward to.”
Form: Saracens have won their last two fixtures with Wasps, but have lost on all six previous occasions they have visited Adams Park. London Wasps have won back to back games at Newcastle in the LV= Cup and at home to Sale in the Guinness Premiership. Saracens have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, and three of their last four on the road. Sarries most recent victory on Wasps soil was 19-15 at Loftus Road in the Premiership on 19 October 1997.
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, 6 Joe Worsley, 5 George Skivington, 4 Marty Veale, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Rob Webber (capt), 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.
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Noah Cato, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Chris Wyles, 10 Derick Hougaard,9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Wikus van Heerden (capt), 5 Tom Ryder, 4 Hayden Smith, 3 Richard Skuse, 2 Ethienne Reynecke, 1 Matias Aguero.
Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Mouritz Botha, 20 Jacques Burger, 21 Justin Marshall, 22 Glen Jackson,23 Michael Tagicakibau.
Date: Sunday, February 21
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Adams Park
Referee: Sean Davey
Assistant referees: Andrew Watson, Stuart Terheege
Television match official: Roy Marfleet
Assessor: Brian Campsall