JOSH SIGNS UP AGAIN

By Vespasian
March 27 2011

London Wasps travel to Weedon Road for a rare Sunday visit to Northampton, courtesy of live television. Notwithstanding this unfortunate loss of a traditional Saturday fixture at one of the best grounds in the country, both teams will be keen to get their seasons back in the groove.

Both sides have struggled with injuries and a lack of strength in depth during their respective Six Nations' malaises. Northampton's run of poor form has seen them plummet from pole position to fourth. Wasps' uncharacteristically good start to the season petered out and saw boss Tony Hanks move aside.

The short-term return of Leon Holden may well be too late to achieve the goals of a top six finish and winning a trophy. The return of Joh Lewsey from early retirement is a welcome boost to Wasps ' resources. He doesn't play today but hopfully his competitiveness will rub off on the squad.

Harlequins and London Irish both registered bonus point wins yesterday, so, neither Northampton nor Wasps can afford any more slip ups at the sharp end of the season. With just five rounds, or so, left to play which team will secure a play-off place?

Holden has made four changes to Wasps' to the team that started against Sale Sharks in the last round of the Aviva Premiership. Rob Webber makes a timely return at hooker having been absent since mid-November. Zak Taulafo, centre Steve Kefu and Simon Shaw also return.

Leon Holden relishes the challenge Saints would bring: “The game against Northampton this weekend marks the start of a crucial period for us in the Premiership starting with two away games against Northampton and London Irish before we welcome Leeds to Adams Park and head to Twickenham for our St George’s Day Game. We must take every game on its own merits but a good run of results in this block of fixtures will define our season."

Saints' boss, Jim Mallinder, said: "Success at Headingley was a step in the right direction...it wasn’t just a victory, but a much better performance against Leeds. We got our basics right and dominated up front. We played aggressively and took our opportunities well. We have six big games left in the league, starting with Wasps and we are looking forward to the opportunity of playing them again on Sunday.”

Traditionally Franklins Gardens has not been a happy hunting ground for Wasps. Northampton play a high pressure, fast rucking game and they will pounce on any mistakes. Wasps must keep their defensive shape and trouble the scorer. Penalties must not be conceded or it will prove to be a long afternoon.

On past form, Northampton wold expect to win by two scores. Can Holden galvanise Wasps into a rare win at St. Jimmie's? The lack of rain may not help!

Teams:

Northampton: 15 Ben Foden; 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke. 12 James Downey, 11 Paul Diggin; 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson; 1 Soane Tonga’uiha, 2 Dylan Hartley (Capt.), 3 Brian Mujati, 4 Courtney Lawes, 5 Christian Day, 6 Phil Dowson, 7 Tom Wood, 8 Roger Wilson

Bench: 16 Brett Sharman. 17 Alex Waller, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Calum Clark, 21 Stuart Commins, 22 Shane Geraghty, 23 Bruce Reihana

Wasps: 15 Richard Haughton; 14 Ben Jacobs, 13 Steve Kefu, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 David Lemi; 10 Dave Walder, 9 Joe Simpson; 1 Tim Payne, 2 Rob Webber, 3 Zak Taulafo, 4 Simon Shaw, 5 Richard Birkett (Capt.), 6 John Hart, 7 Joe Worsley, 8 Dan Ward-Smith

Bench: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Ben Broster, 18 Tom French, 19 James Cannon, 20 Serge Betsen, 21 Nic Berry, 22 Dom Waldouck,
23 Mark van Gisbergen

Aviva Premiership Rugby Round 18
Franklin’s Gardens
Sunday, March 27th, 2011
Kick off 1:45pm

Aviva Preview: Northampton v Wasps

Discussion started by DrunkenWasps.com , 27/03/2011 11:13

DrunkenWasps.com
27/03/2011 11:13

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Samiire
27/03/2011 11:54

Thanks Vespasian.

Really looking forward to the game but quite nervous as well. Some of the boys have just tweeted from the bus to say they are on their way, so not long to go now!

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Samiire
27/03/2011 12:01

Thanks Vespasian.

Really looking forward to the game but quite nervous as well. Some of the boys tweeted from the bus to say they are on their way, so not long to go now!

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Dobbin
27/03/2011 21:59

Sorry, I've been a bit lax with the previews this year. I was going to do a match report for this one, but it's probably better done after a sleep.

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