Posted on Sep 10, 2010 in English Rugby, Premiership
London Wasps Director of Rugby Tony Hanks has named his side to face Newcastle Falcons in the Aviva Premiership Rugby Round 2 clash at Kingston Park Friday evening. Meanwhile, Newcastle Falcons welcome back Golden Boot winner Jimmy Gopperth for Friday night’s Aviva Premiership Rugby home opener, as they take on London Wasps at Kingston Park (kick-off 8pm).
Hanks makes five changes to the starting line up that secured a draw against local rivals Quins in last weekend’s Twickenham showdown. In the pack, Samoan international prop Zak Taulafo takes over from Phil Vickery who is ruled out of selection after sustaining an ankle injury on Saturday. New signing and 2008 England U20s Grand Slam winner James Cannon also comes into the side to make his debut. Cannon replaces the injured Birkett who is recovering from a hyperextension of the elbow. The final change amongst the forwards sees Dan Ward–Smith trade places with Joe Worsley on the bench to collect his first start of the season.
Two changes are made to the back line as Dave Walder starts at fly half and Riki Flutey moves to partner Ben Jacobs in midfield. Flutey replaces the injured Dom Waldouck who is recovering from a hand laceration.
On the bench Wasps name Charlie Beech, Steve Kefu and David Lemi. All three return to the side after recovery from injury. Beech, who picked up game time against Worthing in pre-season, recovers from an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for much of last season, whilst Kefu and Lemi return from a groin and hamstring complaint respectively.
Looking ahead to the game, Hanks said, “Whilst we were disappointed with the draw last weekend, we have taken a lot of positives from the game and will be eager to build on our performance tomorrow night. We did pick up a few injuries with Birkett, Waldouck and Vickery all ruled out this weekend, but the depth running throughout the squad this season still allows us to name a strong 23 man squad and have confidence going into the game. That is a reflection of some really positive recruitment this summer and shows the quality we have across all positions this year.
“We are pleased to see James Cannon make his debut, he has worked very hard and shown his quality in the pre-season. It is also a boost to welcome Beech, Kefu and Lemi back to the line up after recovery from injury.
“Newcastle are familiar opponents having faced them in both the Premiership and LV=Cup last season. These fixtures are always highly competitive and with both teams looking to secure early competition points it will be a big game for both Clubs.”
London Wasps team to face Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park tomorrow, Friday 10th September, KO 8pm:
15 Mark Van Gisbergen
14 Richard Haughton
13 Ben Jacobs
12 Riki Flutey
11 Tom Varndell
10 Dave Walder
9 Nic Berry
1 Tim Payne
2 Rob Webber
3 Zak Taulafo
4 Simon Shaw
5 James Cannon
6 Dan Ward-Smith
7 Tom Rees (c)
8 Andy Powell
Replacements:
16 Tom Lindsay
17 Charlie Beech
18 Ben Broster
19 Serge Betsen
20 Joe Worsley
21 Charlie Davies
22 Steve Kefu
23 David Lemi
Newcastle
Last season’s Premiership top points scorer, Jimmy Gopperth, returns in one of four changes for the Falcons, who also welcome back England Saxons scrum half Micky Young to their starting line-up.
Summer signings Redford Pennycook and Luke Fielden are both handed their first Aviva Premiership Rugby starts, as Will Welch and Alex Tait respectively make way.
Scottish internationals Ally Hogg and Andy Henderson make their first home league outings for the Falcons since joining over the summer, with Luke Eves and Tim Ryan also making their home bows.
Explaining his selection, head coach Alan Tait said: “We’ve got competition for places throughout the side now, and guys battling for positions.
“The half backs especially are an area where we have plenty of options. At scrum half Chris Pilgrim has worked incredibly hard all summer, and deserved his start at Sale last weekend.
“Micky Young was disappointed about being left out, he made that known to me but rather than whinge about it he just got out there in the second half and made an impact on the game when he came on. His attitude was spot on, and that’s all you can ask.
“When guys aren’t selected I wouldn’t expect them to be happy about it, but what I do expect is that they channel it in the right way and support the lads who have been named in the starting XV, as Micky did. Chris and Micky are both good options for us, and then I thought Hall Charlton had a superb game on Monday night for the Development side which was another boost.”
Having also changed his fly half, Tait said: “Jeremy Manning has come in and looks a class act, but he picked up a tight hamstring at Sale and we decided as a precaution to take him off at half time.
“Jimmy Gopperth came on, had a decent impact and again it boils down to competition for places. It’s the same at fullback with Luke Fielden and at openside with Red Pennycook.
“There are quality options here battling for shirts, and it’s a big opportunity for us against Wasps.”
Tickets for Friday’s game are still available by calling 0871 226 60 60, or from Kingston Park on the night.
Newcastle Falcons team to face London Wasps
15 Luke Fielden
14 Gcobani Bobo
13 Luke Eves
12 Andy Henderson
11 Charlie Amesbury
10 Jimmy Gopperth
9 Micky Young
1 Jon Golding
2 Rob Vickers
3 Tim Ryan
4 James Hudson (captain)
5 Tim Swinson
6 Brent Wilson
7 Redford Pennycook
8 Ally Hogg
Replacements
Kieran Brookes
Micky Ward
Grant Shiells
Glen Townson
Will Welch
Chris Pilgrim
Jeremy Manning
Alex Tait
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