Wasps v London Irish: Teams

Wasps welcome Ben Jacobs, Dave Walder and Joe Simpson back from injury for the visit of Aviva Premiership leaders London Irish on Sunday.

Centre Jacobs and fly-half Walder have both recovered from knee injuries while scrum-half Joe Simpson returns from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of last weekend's LV=Cup win over Bath.

Mark Van Gisbergen moves to full-back due to Walder's return, meaning Jack Wallace drops to the bench.

Jacobs comes into the starting XV for Dom Waldouck, who is unavailable through injury, and Simpson replaces Nic Berry who has to settle for a place on the bench.

Joe Ward replaces Rob Webber at hooker after the latter was ruled out of the contests due to a bicep injury. Tom Lindsay takes Ward's place on the bench as a result.

The final change to the starting line-up sees Simon Shaw come back into the second row after being released by England. He replaces Marty Veale, who is named as a replacement.

"Last weekend's performance against Bath was certainly an improvement on the Exeter display and that is something we now need to build on," Wasps Rugby Director Tony Hanks said.

Control

"It was good to see more control throughout the game but we did make things hard for ourselves towards the end and let our guard down at critical times. On Sunday we need to ensure that doesn't happen again - discipline in all aspects will be key to achieving the right result

"In terms of selection we are pleased to welcome Dave Walder, Joe Simpson and Ben Jacobs back from injury. Simon Shaw's presence is also a huge boost going into this game."

London Irish are boosted by the return of six players after their 25-16 defeat to Scarlets in the LV= Cup last time out.

Clarke Dermody, Bob Casey, Topsy Ojo, Paul Hodgson, Ryan Lamb and Kieran Roche are all drafted back into the starting XV. Jamie Lennard retains his position as full-back.

The Exiles sit at the summit of the league after seven games but will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing their last two matches, both in the LV= Cup.

"There's been a different buzz in training this week. We're refreshed and excited to be getting back into the Premiership," head coach Toby Booth said.

"We're looking forward to a game with some free flowing, quick ball which allows opportunities for attack. As winter conditions start to come into play dominance in the set piece will also be key in pressurising defences in order to get the rewards."

Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Richard Haughton, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Steve Kefu, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Dan Ward-Smith, 7 Tom Rees (c), 6 Joe Worsley, 5 James Cannon, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Joe Ward, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements:16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Shaun Ruwers, 18 Bob Baker, 19 Marty Veale, 20 Serge Betsen, 21 Nic Berry, 22 Seb Jewell, 23 Jack Wallace.

London Irish: 15 Jamie Lennard, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Elvis Seveali'i, 12 Daniel Bowden, 11 Jonathan Joseph, 10 Ryan Lamb, 9 Paul Hodgson, 8 Chris Hala'ufia, 7 Steffon Armitage, 6 Kieran Roche, 5 Bob Casey, 4 Nick Kennedy, 3 Faan Rautenbach, 2 David Paice, 1 Clarke Dermody (c).
Replacements: 16 James Buckland, 17Alex Corbisiero, 18 Paulica Ion, 19 Matt Garvey, 20 Richard Thorpe, 21 Marcus Watson, 22 Chris Malone, 23 Darren Allinson