Saracens v Wasps: Teams
Gavin Henson has, as expected, been named on the bench for Saracens' Boxing Day clash against Wasps at Wembley.
Last Updated: 26/12/10 12:20pm
Gavin Henson has, as expected, been named on the bench for Saracens' Boxing Day clash against Wasps at Wembley.
Wales international Henson has not played in almost 20 months but is set to feature at some point in the London derby, which is live on Sky Sports.
The 28-year-old joined Sarries in October but his debut has been delayed by his participation in the TV show Strictly Come Dancing.
Also amongst the list of replacements is Alex Goode, who is ready to return to action after missing the last four weeks through injury.
Meanwhile, props Deon Carstens and Carlos Nieto are recalled to the starting XV at the expense of Rhys Gill and Petrus du Plessis. Captain Steve Borthwick and Ernst Joubert are also back in the pack.
Andy Powell returns to the Wasps line-up after missing last weekend's Heineken Cup clash with Newport-Gwent Dragons due to a calf problem.
Bench
Will Matthews, who filled in at No. 8 for Powell last time out, drops down to the bench in the only change to the starting XV from the 37-10 win.
Prop Tim Payne is named as a replacement and could feature for the first time since picking up a knee injury at the end of November.
Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks will be hoping that his side can extend a run of six consecutive victories in all competitions.
"Credit must go to this group of players who have worked hard to find some consistency of form and really ensure this latest run of results," he told the club's official website.
"With injuries squeezing the squad, a relatively unchanged line-up has taken to the pitch over the last few weeks and their commitment and work rate has really impressed. "
The game looks certain to go ahead, despite the cold snap, as Wembley has undersoil heating.
Saracens: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 David Strettle, 13 Michael Tagicakibau, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 James Short, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Neil de Kock; 1 Deon Carstens, 2 Schalk Brits, 3 Carlos Nieto, 4 Steve Borthwick (capt), 5 Hugh Vyvyan, 6 Kelly Brown, 7 Jacques Burger, 8 Ernst Joubert
Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Petrus du Plessis, 19 Hayden Smith, 20 Andy Saull, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Gavin Henson, 23 Alex Goode
Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Tom Varndell, 13 Ben Jacobs (capt), 12 Steve Kefu, 11 David Lemi, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Joe Simpson; 1 Zak Taulafo, 2 Joe Ward, 3 Ben Broster, 4 Simon Shaw, 5 James Cannon, 6 Joe Worsley, 7 Serge Betsen, 8 Andy Powell
Replacements: 16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Tim Payne, 18 Bob Baker, 19 Marty Veale, 20 Will Matthews, 21 Nic Berry, 22 Riki Flutey, 23 Richard Haughton