EDF Energy Cup - : Worsley leads Wasps to Kingsholm

Joe Worsley leads Wasps

Worsley leads Wasps to Kingsholm

3 October 2008, 12:44 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

Director of Rugby, Ian McGeechan has made 14 changes to his starting line up ahead of Wasps opening EDF Energy Cup fixture against Gloucester on Saturday.

Resting England players; Riki Flutey, Josh Lewsey, Tom Palmer, Tom Rees, Paul Sackey and Phil Vickery, who have all featured in Wasps last two Guinness Premiership fixtures, the new look side will be lead by Joe Worsley as the Londoners venture to Kingsholm tomorrow.

Following recovery from a groin strain, new signing Lachlan Mitchell is named at full back making his first start for the club since his arrival from the Waratahs Academy this summer. He will be joined in the back division by Wasps Academy and England U20s, Mark Odejobi, replacing Sackey, and is named alongside Tom Voyce who moves to the wing. Dominic Waldouck maintains his place in the centre and is joined in the starting line up by Rob Hoadley.

Following his return to action at Adams Park on Wednesday, Danny Cipriani will take a seat on the bench as Jeremy Staunton starts at 10.Similarly Mark Robinson will start in place of Eoin Reddan, also named among the replacements.

In the front row Tom French, Rob Webber and Pat Barnard will lead a pack which includes George Skivington, making his 2008/09 debut, Richard Birkett and a new look back row of James Haskell, Serge Betsen and captain Worsley.

On the bench Raphael Ibanez, Michael Holford, new signing Damien Varley, Simon Shaw and Dan Leo are also named.

Looking ahead to the game McGeechan said, "The EDF Energy Cup provides us with a new challenge which will offer our full squad the opportunity to pick up valuable game time. With three games in eight days it is a big challenge for our relatively small squad but as we start our new campaign we can bring in fresh legs offering some of younger and newer players a fresh opportunity.

"Travelling to Gloucester we know how big the challenge is ahead of us, they are a strong side who continue to display solid performances and it will be very important that we maintain our focus and remain consistent in the things that we are delivering well."

London Wasps team to face Gloucester Rugby in the EDF Energy Cup at Kingsholm on Saturday 4th October, KO 2.30pm is:

15. Lachlan Mitchell
14. Mark Odejobi
13. Dominic Waldouck
12. Rob Hoadley
11. Tom Voyce
10. Jeremy Staunton
9. Mark Robinson
1. Tom French
2. Rob Webber
3. Pat Barnard
4. George Skivington
5. Richard Birkett
6. James Haskell
7. Serge Betsen
8. Joe Worsley (C)

16. Raphael Ibanez
17. Michael Holford
18. Damien Varley
19. Simon Shaw
20. Eoin Reddan
21. Danny Cipriani
22. Dan Leo