Wasps v Leicester: Teams
Wasps' star flay-half Danny Cipriani could make his comeback from injury off the bench against Leicester.
Last Updated: 05/12/09 3:06pm
Wasps' star flay-half Danny Cipriani could make his comeback from injury off the bench against Leicester Tigers on Sunday.
The England international has been sidelined since suffering a fractured fibula two months ago, an injury that sidelined him from the autumn Tests.
But Cipriani has been called up to the Wasps bench at Adams Park as a late replacement for wing David Lemi, who is out because of illness.
Wasps rugby director Tony Hanks said: "David felt unwell yesterday (Friday) and his symptoms have increased today, so he is ruled out of the match 23.
"Danny has completed his rehab programme and rejoined training this week, and therefore takes David's place on the bench.
"We are pleased to see Danny back in the mix. He was in good form before the injury and he is keen to pick up from where he left off.
Strong squad
"Depending on game time tomorrow, it is likely Danny will also feature in our A League game on Monday night against Harlequins."
Leicester are without Tom Croft but Louis Deacon and Marcos Ayerza are back in the side for Sunday's showdown.
The Tigers head out on the road off the back off a 39-6 win over Leeds and having lost just two of their last eight games at Adams Park.
However, Wasps have won the last four meetings of the two Guinness Premiership heavyweights and have a strong squad available.
Steve Kefu, Dominic Waldouck and Rob Webber are all back from injury, while David Lemi returns after his Autumn series with Samoa.
Richard Birkett comes in for George Skivington in the second row in the only change from the starting XV that should have played against Sale last Friday.
"Playing Leicester always has that sense of history which makes it enjoyable for players and supporters alike," said director of rugby Tony Hanks.
"We know this will be a hugely competitive game but the squad are relishing that challenge."
Rivalry
Second-rower Deacon, who lost his England spot to Wasps' Simon Shaw, and prop Ayerza return to bolster Leicester's pack.
In the backs, Johne Murphy regains his place on the wing after scoring two tries whilst playing for Ireland A last weekend.
Back-rower Craig Newby returns from injury to take his place amongst the replacements.
"We were very pleased that we kept playing against Leeds last weekend and kept creating things and in the end we were able to convert those chances," said head coach Richard Cockerill.
"We are in a decent place in the league and we've picked up points in every game, but there is no room to sit back.
"We've had some big games with Wasps over the years and the rivalry is there because we have both been very successful."
Wasps:15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Dominic Waldouck, 12 Steve Kefu, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Dan Ward-Smith, 7 Serge Betsen (C), 6 John Hart, 5 Richard Birkett, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Gabriel Bocca, 18 Bob Baker, 19 Dan Leo, 20 Will Matthews, 21 James Honeyben, 22 Danny Cipriani, 23 Ben Jacobs.
Leicester: 15 Scott Hamilton, 14 Johne Murphy, 13 Anthony Allen, 12 Aaron Mauger (capt), 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Jordan Crane, 7 Lewis Moody, 6 Brett Deacon, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Mefin Davies, 1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements: 16 George Chuter, 17 Boris Stankovich, 18 Robbie Harris, 19 Ben Kay, 20 Craig Newby, 21 James Grindal, 22 Jeremy Staunton, 23 Alesana Tuilagi.