Wasps v London Irish: Teams
Stephen Jones will make his competitive debut for London Wasps on Saturday, having been selected to take on London Irish.
Last Updated: 14/09/12 3:32pm
Stephen Jones will make his competitive debut for London Wasps this weekend, having been named in the No.10 jersey to take on London Irish.
There are five changes in all to the starting line-up for Wasps, following two narrow defeats. The side have now slipped to five successive defeats in Aviva Premiership action since their 26- 24 victory over Gloucester on April 1.
Jones will direct a backline with one other change in it, with Andrea Masi coming in as a direct replacement for Chris Bell who suffered a deep cut to the head last time out.
There are three changes up front with Ashley Johnson, T Rhys Thomas and Joe Launchbury all starting.
Attacking threat
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: "London Irish present a potent attacking threat and we will need to step it up in defence to try and keep them out.
"Like us, they are a new looking squad, still finding their feet but home games are vital in this league and we want to get off to a winning start at Adams Park."
Meanwhile, opposite number Brian Smith has named an unchanged London Irish side for the clash at Adams Park.
His side have also tripped up twice in the opening two rounds, conceding 40 points on both occasions.
Declan Danaher will captain the side for the second time this season.
Smith added: "Wasps have a strong squad and will be excited to be back at home. There was a big improvement from our first game last weekend and we will be looking for the same level of improvement tomorrow afternoon."
London Irish have won just once before at Adams Park, triumphing 56-37 back on April 30 in 2006.
Wasps: 15 Hugo Southwell (c), 14 Tom Varndell, 13 Elliot Daly, 12 Andrea Masi, 11 Christian Wade, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Jonathan Poff, 6 Joe Launchbury, 5 Marco Wentzel, 4 Tom Palmer, 3 Fabio Staibano, 2 T Rhys Thomas, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements:16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Simon McIntyre, 18 Zak Taulafo, 19 James Haskell, 20 Billy Vunipola, 21 Charlie Davies, 22 Nick Robinson, 23 Tommy Bell.
London Irish: 15 Tom Homer, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 11 Marland Yarde, 10 Steve Shingler, 9 Tomás O'Leary, 8 Jon Fisher, 7 Ofisa Treviranus, 6 Declan Danaher (c), 5 Bryn Evans, 4 George Skivington, 3 Leo Halavatau, 2 Scott Lawson, 1 Max Lahiff.
Replacements: 16 Brian Blaney, 17 Halani Aulika, 18 John Ryan, 19 Kieran Low, 20 Alex Gray, 21 Anthony Watson, 22 Shane Geraghty, 23 Jack Moates.