Wasps v Leinster: Teams
Wasps chief Ian McGeechan insists his side are relishing the prospect of facing Leinster in the crunch Heineken Cup tie at Twickenham.
Last Updated: 17/01/09 12:26pm
London Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan insists his side are relishing the prospect of facing Leinster in the crunch Heineken Cup tie at Twickenham.
Wasps need to beat the Irish province, who convincingly won the return fixture, if they are to keep alive their hopes of reaching the last eight.
And McGeechan claims his side are fully focused on what they need to do.
He said: "Leinster are a very strong, well-coached side who have shown some outstanding form this season.
"We know we face a huge challenge against tough opponents, but in front of our biggest ever home crowd we will be looking for a top Wasps performance.
"The whole squad are focused and looking forward to the challenge."
Josh Lewsey, Simon Shaw and Joe Worsley all return to the Wasps side, with Dan Leo and Tom Voyce dropping to the bench and Hugo Ellis missing out altogether.
Fit
Leinster boss Michael Cheika has delayed naming his props for Saturday's clash.
Chieka has pencilled in Stan Wright and Cian Healy at loosehead and CJ van der Linde and Ollie le Roux at tighthead - however hooker Bernard Jackman will definitely start after being declared fit.
Shane Jennings has also been cleared to play after successfully appealing against his ban.
Experienced campaigner Malcolm O'Kelly replaces Devin Toner in the second row, while Luke Fitzgerald comes in on the wing.
Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Paul Sackey , 13 Dominic Waldouck, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Josh Lewsey, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Eoin Reddan, 1 Tim Payne, 2 Rob Webber, 3 Phil Vickery (capt), 4 Simon Shaw, 5 Richard Birkett, 6 Joe Worsley, 7 Serge Betsen, 8 James Haskell.
Replacements: 16 Joe Ward, 17 Tom French, 18 George Skivington, 19 Dan Leo, 20 Joe Simpson, 21 Dave Walder, 22 Tom Voyce
Leinster: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Felipe Contepomi, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Isa Nacewa, 9 Chris Whitaker, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Malcolm O'Kelly, 4 Leo Cullen (c), 1 CJ van der Linde/Ollie le Roux, 2 Bernard Jackman, 1 Stan Wright/Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 John Fogarty, 17 Cian Healy/Ollie le Roux, 18 Trevor Hogan, 19 Sean O'Brien, 20 Chris Keane, 21 Gordan D'Arcy, 22 Gavin Dempsey.
