Wasps v Edinburgh: Teams

At Adams Park, Sunday December 14, live on SS2 from 12.55pm

Last updated: 12th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wasps v Edinburgh: Teams

Paterson: Ruled out

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Edinburgh will be without star full-back Chris Paterson for their Heineken Cup clash against London Wasps after he failed a fitness test.

Paterson, who has rib damage, is replaced by Hugo Southwell in a line-up showing three changes from the side which lost 25-16 to the English champions last Friday at Murrayfield.

Ross Rennie, suspended for a dangerous tackle up until December 21 following a disciplinary hearing , vacates his flanker's berth for Scott Newlands while, at hooker, Andy Kelly starts ahead of Ross Ford.

Ford was listed as having sore ribs but it is felt the Scotland number two will be able to take up a place on the bench where there are two other changes besides his straight swap for Kelly.

Called up and ready to make his first appearance of the season is Simon Cross while John Houston is also included for the first time since the Magners League win over Connacht in October.

Meanwhile, Wasps have made just two changes to their starting line-up for Sunday's return match.

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan has recalled Dave Walder to fly-half, switching with Danny Cipriani who takes a seat on the bench after suffering from a sickness bug this week.

Ibanez out

Starting at No.10, Walder will be looking to emulate the two man-of-the-match-winning performances that were seen in Wasps' one point defeat against Sale Sharks, and their victorious 23-17 run out against Newcastle Falcons in the Guinness Premiership.

Also rejoining the line-up is lock Simon Shaw, replacing George Skivington amongst the replacements.

The bench also sees the return of Tom Voyce and Joe Worsley, with the latter returning from an ankle injury which forced him from the pitch at Kingston Park.

Phil Vickery will again captain the side, with Raphael Ibanez ruled out of play for the next six weeks following a series of concussions.

"Last week we saw a very tight game that could have gone either way," said London Wasps head coach Shaun Edwards.

"We are delighted with the win but we know we are in a sudden death situation and any losses in the next few games will prevent qualification.

"We are expecting a huge game from Edinburgh, they are a strong side and they have a huge international presence, with many of the players having just featured in the Autumn series.

"For us it is good to be back at home for such an important game, with our fantastic support we will be looking to the stands to boost the team and hopefully secure the win that will keep our Heineken Cup campaign alive."

London Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Dominic Waldouck, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Josh Lewsey, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 James Haskell, 7 Tom Rees, 6 Serge Betsen, 5 Richard Birkett, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Phil Vickery (c), 2 Rob Webber, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Damien Varley, 17 Tom French, 18 George Skivington, 19 Joe Worsley, 20 Joe Simpson, 21 Danny Cipriani, 22 Tom Voyce.

Edinburgh: 15 Hugo Southwell, 14 Mark Robertson, 13 Ben Cairns, 12 Nick De Luca, 11 Simon Webster, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Mike Blair (c), 8 Alan MacDonald, 7 Allister Hogg, 6 Scott Newlands, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Craig Hamilton, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Andrew Kelly, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford, 17 Gavin Kerr, 18 Matt Mustchin, 19 Simon Cross, 20 Greig Laidlaw, 21 David Blair, 22 John Houston.