Wasps star set to topple 200
Wasps stalwart Mark Van Gisbergen will make his 200th appearance in black and gold this weekend as Wasps travel to Vicarage Road to take on the Springbok-conqueroring Saracens.
Van Gisbergen, rested last weekend as Wasps secured victory over Gloucester in the LV=Cup, will start in a line up bolstered by the return of Dominic Waldouck, following recovery from a fractured cheekbone sustained last month. Other changes amongst the back division see the return of half back pairing Dave Walder and Joe Simpson, Walder currently taking the top spot amongst the Premiership kickers with an 81% strike rate.
In the front row Gabriel Bocca and Ben Broster join hooker Joe Ward, and Richard Birkett and George Skivington line up in the second row with Simon Shaw named in the England side to face New Zealand. A complete change of personnel in the back row this week sees John Hart line up alongside captain Serge Betsen and Dan Ward-Smith, returning from a neck strain injury.
On the bench hooker Rob Webber returns to the fray following recovery from medial ligament tear to his knee and Steve Kefu also features after recovery from a shoulder complaint.
Looking ahead to the game, Wasps Director of Rugby Tony Hanks said: “This game is one we always look forward to, being a London Derby, and with Saracens holding top spot in the league it is a great opportunity for us to see where we are at.
“Sunday also represents an important day for the Wasps family when we can celebrate Mark Van Gisbergen’s 200th game. Mark has been an integral part of all Wasps’ successes since 2002 and I remember his first day at the Club when a young surfer/electrician arrived from Waikato, bought over by Gats (Warren Gatland) to provide cover for Alex King. A selection at full back, when we had injuries, and he hasn’t looked back!”
After the highs of Tuesday night’s victory over World Champions South Africa at Wembley Stadium, Saracens Director of Rugby Brendan Venter has told his players they must raise their effort levels once again if they are to maintain their unbeaten start to the Guinness Premiership campaign.
In team news ahead of the game, Kevin Barrett makes his first Premiership start for Saracens, replacing Neil de Kock who has an ankle injury. Alex Goode and Andy Saull both return to the starting line-up as does Schalk Brits at hooker. Justin Marshall has shaken off a calf injury to take a place on the bench as does Adam Powell who has recovered from a hamstring problem.
Chris Wyles (USA), Hayden Smith (USA), Moses Rauluni (Fiji), Fabio Ongaro (Italy) and Matias Aguero (Italy) all miss the game on international duty.
Venter said: “Tuesday was a fantastic night for the club and we created some special memories. I was so proud of the players after a magnificent performance. We face another hugely competitive game on Sunday against a side who have also enjoyed a great start to the season. Wasps record over the past years has seen them win countless trophies, so we will have to raise our effort levels even higher than against the World Champions.”
The Teams:
Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Noah Cato, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Derick Hougaard, 9 Kevin Barrett, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Wikus van Heerden (captain), 5 Tom Ryder, 4 Hugh Vyvyan, 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Rhys Gill
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Kasiano Lealamanua, 18 Richard Skuse, 19 Mouritz Botha, 20 Don Barrell, 21 Justin Marshall, 22 Adam Powell, 23 Rodd Penney
Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Dominic Waldouck, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Dan Ward-Smith, 7 Serge Betsen (captain), 6 John Hart, 5 Richard Birkett, 4 George Skivington, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Joe Ward, 1 Gabriel Bocca
Replacements: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Charlie Beech, 18 Bob Baker, 19 Marty Veale, 20 Dan Leo, 21 Warren Fury, 22 Steve Kefu, 23 Lachlan Mitchell
Date: Sunday, November 22
Venue: Vicarage Road
Time: 15.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Dean Richards
Assistant referees: Roy Maybank, Andrew Watson
TMO: John Burtenshaw
