Josh Bassett will make his 50th Aviva Premiership appearance when London Irish visit the Ricoh Arena on Sunday (3 pm kick-off).
The winger is joined in the starting line-up by fit-again Danny Cipriani, who missed last week’s battling draw at Gloucester with an Achilles injury.
TEAM NEWS: Dai Young names his side to face @LiRFC on Sunday at the @RicohArena in Round 17 of @premrugby.
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He is reunited with half-back partner Dan Robson against opponents buoyed by last weekend’s win over Worcester.
The absence of hamstring victim Juan De Jongh means Brendan Macken partners Jimmy Gopperth in midfield.
Director of rugby Dai Young has also shuffled his front row resources following Matt Mullan’s knee injury. As a result, Simon McIntyre wears the No.1 shirt, while Ben Harris, Will Stuart and TJ Harris provide cover from the bench.
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They are joined among the replacements by Jack Willis, who has shaken off a shoulder problem, plus pacy trio Joe Simpson, Rob Miller and Owain James.
Director of Rugby Dai Young said:
“We have done well so far in this block of four Premiership games and I was pleased with the heart we showed to get a draw at Gloucester last week.
“Irish haven’t conceded a try bonus point in their last ten matches, they are a tough team who are getting better with each game.
“They are also fighting for their lives and full of confidence after winning last week, so we must make sure we are 100 per cent focused as they will be a tough nut to crack.”
Wasps team to play London Irish
15. Willie Le Roux
14. Christian Wade
13. Brendan Macken
12. Jimmy Gopperth
11. Josh Bassett
10. Danny Cipriani
9. Dan Robson
1. Simon McIntyre
2. Tom Cruse
3. Jake Cooper-Woolley
4. James Gaskell ©
5. Will Rowlands
6. Ashley Johnson
7. Thomas Young
8. Guy Thompson
Replacements:
16. TJ Harris
17. Ben Harris
18. Will Stuart
19. Kearnan Myall
20. Jack Willis
21. Joe Simpson
22. Rob Miller
23. Owain James
Tickets are available for the Aviva Premiership visits of Worcester Warriors on April 14 and Northampton Saints on April 29 at www.wasps.co.uk/tickets or by phone on 02476 786411.