'Raging bull' Vickery returns to action
Wasps’ prop Phil Vickery returns to club colours this Sunday as the men in black and gold travel to the Madejski facing London Irish in what promises to be a huge clash between two of the capitals sides.
Vickery’s last run out was as part of the British and Irish Lions side that secured victory over South Africa in the third and final Test. He makes his first appearance for Wasps this season after a summer of recovery and rehabilitation to work through a shoulder complaint sustained on the tour.
Named in the starting XV, Vickery is one of two changes to the side that secured victory over Worcester at Adams Park last weekend, as John Hart takes the No.8 jersey in place of Dan Ward-Smith. Ward-Smith moves to the bench and is joined by Ben Broster who makes way for Vickery.
Looking ahead to the game, Director of Rugby Tony Hanks said: “We have been delighted with the progress the squad have made through the first three rounds of the Guinness Premiership. To see the new players settle and our experienced and young aspiring guys really take our game forward has been pleasing for all involved. Three wins out of out three is a fantastic start but we know the bar is raised again this week against a very sharp looking London Irish team.
“Vicks has worked hard this summer to get through an injury and a hard fought Lions Tour. He is fired up and ready to make a comeback in a game which I think will be our biggest test yet. There is a great feeling amongst this group and they are relishing the challenge of Sunday’s game.”
The Exiles, who are third in the table going into this local derby, have made three changes to the starting line-up of the team that played in Leeds last Sunday. For the second week in succession the front row is rotated as three internationals – Clarke Dermody (New Zealand), David Paice (England) and Paulica Ion (Romania), take over the starting positions. Bob Casey captains the team.
“Our players have been improving week by week and they showed a real mental toughness last weekend,” said London Irish Head Coach, Toby Booth.
“They know what they have to do on Sunday to get a result. We’re quietly confident of a big performance in front of our home crowd.
“London Wasps are showing signs of returning to their former glory and must be delighted with the start they’ve made to the season. They have a fantastic defence and are already emerging as serious challengers for the Premiership play-offs,” Booth added.
“I’m sure the supporters of both clubs can look forward to an entertaining contest on Sunday.”
The Exiles have won just one of their last four meetings with their London rivals, whilst Wasps have an incredible record at Madejski Stadium which has seen them win on seven out of their last eight visits.
London Irish have racked up successive bonus point victories against Gloucester and Leeds and are bidding to become the first team to tally three consecutive maximum point wins since Leicester did so over New Year 2008.
London Wasps top the Guinness Premiership table having made a perfect played 3, won 3 start to the season. Wasps have won their last six matches in the Premiership, and have been victorious in their last two away games at Bristol and at Bath.
The teams:
London Irish: 15 Peter Hewat, 14 Adam Thompstone, 13 Elvis Seveali’i, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 10 Ryan Lamb, 9 Paul Hodgson, 8 Chris Hala’Ufia, 7 Steffon Armitage, 6 Declan Danaher, 5 Bob Casey (captain), 4 Nick Kennedy, 3 Paulica Ion, 2 David Paice, 1 Clarke Dermody.
Replacements: 16 Dan Murphy, 17 Danie Coetzee, 18 Faan Rautenbach, 19 Andy Perry, 20 Richard Thorpe, 21 Chris Malone, 22 Peter Richards, 23 Alfredo Lalanne
London Wasps: 15 Lachlan Mitchell, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Dominic Waldouck, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 John Hart, 7 Serge Betsen (captain), 6 Joe Worsley, 5 Richard Birkett, 4 George Skivington, 3 Phil Vickery , 2 Rob Webber, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Charlie Beech, 18 Ben Broster, 19 Dan Leo, 20 Dan Ward-Smith, 21 Warren Fury, 22 Dave Walder, 23 Mark Odejobi.
Date: Sunday, 27 September
Venue: Madejski Stadium
Time: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Dave Pearson
Assistant referees: Bob Mullis, Alan Biggs
TMO: Roy Marfleet
