WASPS TEAM TO FACE LONDON IRISH

6th May 2016

WASPS TEAM TO FACE LONDON IRISH

Wasps have named their side to face London Irish at the Ricoh Arena this Saturday, kick off 15.30, in the last round of the regular Aviva Premiership season.

Ruaridh Jackson and Joe Simpson form the half-back pairing, while Josh Bassett comes in on the wing for Frank Halai.

Ashley Johnson starts at hooker, with Edd Shervington covering on the bench. Carlo Festuccia sits out the game with a sore neck.

The only other change to the starting XV sees Thomas Young at open-side, alongside no. 8 Nathan Hughes and skipper James Haskell, with George Smith rested. Sam Jones comes onto the bench.

Ahead of Wasps’ must-win game, Wasps’ Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “Both clubs will be determined to end this season on a high. London Irish are a talented side, who will have a real collectiveness this week as they look to get the win at the Ricoh Arena. We certainly won’t be underestimating Irish and the challenge they will pose. We need to make sure we do our job and get the win.

“We know it’s out of our hands whether or not we get a home Semi Final. We can’t control events at the Stoop, so we need to focus on getting our performance right on Saturday to at least give us a shot at securing that home Semi Final.”

WASPS TEAM

15. Charles Piutau

14. Christian Wade

13. Elliot Daly

12. Siale Piutau

11. Josh Bassett

10. Ruaridh Jackson

9. Joe Simpson

1. Matt Mullan

2. Ashley Johnson

3. Lorenzo Cittadini

4. Joe Launchbury

5. Bradley Davies

6. James Haskell (c)

7. Thomas Young

8. Nathan Hughes

Replacements:

16. Edd Shervington

17. Tom Bristow

18. Phil Swainston

19. Will Rowlands

20. Sam Jones

21. Dan Robson

22. Jimmy Gopperth

23. Rob Miller