Sackey returns to face the Warriors
England wing Paul Sackey will make a welcomed return to action this this Sunday as Wasps run out on home turf for the first time this season when they face Worcester.
Wasps’ Director of Rugby Tony Hanks has made three changes in total to the starting XV that secured victory over Bath at The Rec last weekend, naming Lachlan Mitchell at fullback in place of the injured Mark Van Gisbergen, Tom Varndell on the left wing in place of the injured David Lemi, and Sackey on the right.
On the bench two changes are seen with Tom Lindsay in for Joe Ward and Dominic Waldouck returning from injury to fill Lachlan Mitchell’s place.
Looking ahead to the game, Hanks said: “The whole squad are really looking forward to playing at Adams Park for the first time this season. Fuelled by two strong performances, we will be looking to build on our game once more.
“We know we have a tough challenge facing Worcester who did the double on us last season, they have shown great strength in their opening rounds and we know it will be a big afternoon of rugby.
“To have Paul Sackey back in the mix is great news for us and our supporters, who will be pleased to welcome him back to the fore. Paul worked extremely hard in getting back to fitness and has come through training well this week. I hope that the Wasps fans will really get behind the players this weekend – Adams Park was a great venue last season and the boost that running out in front of a packed house gives to the squad should not be underestimated.”
Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock meanwhile has made just one change to his starting line-up following last weekend’s 27-7 victory.
Ruddock calls up experienced hooker Chris Fortey into the team with Tongan powerhouse Aleki Lutui moving to the replacements bench.
Prop Callum Black also makes a return to the bench after recovering from a knee injury.
“We have made a solid start to the season and we have reflected positively on the first two games,” said Ruddock.
“We go back to London Wasps a year after we managed to sneak a result with the last kick of the game and we hope we can achieve the same.
“Wasps are a difficult team to beat. I looked at their squad and it is very strong with a lot of very good players. At this time of the season you look for weaknesses – but there is no players who are unproven.
“It will be a big ask for us and we are expecting a very warm welcome. They will not want to lose to us again so we have to be ready to front up.”
Worcester achieved a Guinness Premiership double over Wasps last season, whilst Wasps have won only one of their last five encounters with the Warriors.
London Wasps find themselves at the top of the Premiership table – remarkably it is only the third time that the Londoners have ever topped the pile after a round of matches, round 21 in season 2004/05 and round 3 in 2006/07! Wasps have won their last nine games at Adams Park in all competitions.
Worcester Warriors beat Leeds Carnegie 27-7 at Sixways in the Guinness Premiership on Friday, but away from home have won just once since November 2008: 13-6 at Gloucester in the Premiership on 21 April.
The Teams:
Wasps: 15 Lachlan Mitchell, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Steve Kefu, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Dan Ward-Smith, 7 Serge Betsen (captain), 6 Joe Worsley, 5 Richard Birkett, 4 George Skivington, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Tim Payne
Replacements: 16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Charlie Beech, 18 Bob Baker, 19 Dan Leo, 20 John Hart, 21 Warren Fury, 22 Dave Walder, 23 Dominic Waldouck
Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Willie Walker, 9 Ryan Powell, 8 Kai Horstmann, 7 Pat Sanderson (captain), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Chris Fortey, 1 Matt Mullan
Replacements: 16 Callum Black, 17 Aleki Lutui, 18 Adam Black, 19 Graham Kitchener, 20 Netani Talei, 21 Jonny Arr, 22 George Crook, 23 Rico Gear
Date: Sunday 20 September
Venue: Adams Park
Time: 15:00 (14:00 GMT)
Referee: J P Doyle (5th Premiership game)
