Unlucky 13 miss out for Wasps
Alex King will captain a much-changed Wasps side against Northampton.
Wasps vNorthampton Saints
Guinness Premiership, Causeway Stadium, Sunday September 12, KO 15.00
Wasps will be without 13 players for the clash against Northampton Saints at The Causeway.
They will be without eight players who are representing their country in the Six Nations Championship. In addition, Josh Lewsey (shoulder), John Hart (shoulder) and Martin Purdy (fractured arm) are ruled out through injury.
However the defending champions do have some good news on the injury front with Mark Van Gisbergen and flanker Tom Rees back in action.
With both Lawrence Dallaglio and John Hart unavailable Alex King will be captain of the team, while Ayoola Erinle makes way for Rob Hoadley at outside centre by moving out to the wing.
Wasps Director of Rugby Ian McGeechan said: "It is hugely satisfying to see so many of our players receiving international recognition for their efforts at club level this season, but their absence will nevertheless prove a testing time for the squad.
"Alex King's experience will be important in leading the team on Sunday, but the challenge that faces our squad is also an opportunity for all the players to impress."
Fit again Tom Rees is looking forward to the game, he said: "It has been a frustrating time with injury, but luckily I'm coming back at a time when I make a contribution, with so many of the guys away on international duty."
Northampton have been forced to make changes as several key players are away on international duty.
Skipper Bruce Reihana has been moved to the wing to cover for Ben Cohen and Robbie Kydd, who will be playing his third match for the club, takes over at full back.
"We decided to put myself on the wing and to give a Robbie a chance at full-back," Reihana stated.
"I have played there before but they are big boots to fill as the number 11 jersey is usually Ben Cohen's and he will playing in his 50th game for England this weekend."
Sean Lamont's absence allows John Rudd the chance to play against his former team, while the only change in the pack sees Dan Richmond takes over at hooker from England international Steve Thompson.
London Wasps team: 15 M Van Gisbergen, 14 P Sackey, 13 R Hoadley, 12 S Abbott, 11 A Erinle, 10 A King (capt), 9 J Honeyben; 1 T Payne, 2 J Barrett, 3 P Bracken, 4 G Skivington, 5 R Birkett, 6 T Rees, 7 G Chamberlain, 8 M Lock.
Replacements: 16 B Gotting, 17 J Va'a, 18 D Leo, 19 J Haskell, 20 W Fury, 21 J Staunton, 22 R Laird.
Replacements: 16 D Hartley, 17 S Emms, 18 D Gerard, 19 S Harding, 20 D Fox, 21 J Howard, 22 J Pritchard
