Wasps to launch U20 star Cannon
Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:00
New kid on the block: Wasps lock James Cannon. (c) Getty
London Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks has made five changes to his side to face Newcastle Falcons in the Aviva Premiership at Kingston Park on Friday.
Samoan international prop Zak Taulafo takes over from Phil Vickery who is ruled out of selection after sustaining an ankle injury against Harlequins last weekend.
New signing and 2008 England U20s Grand Slam winner James Cannon also comes into the side to make his debut. Cannon replaces the injured Birkett who is recovering from a hyperextension of the elbow. The final change amongst the forwards sees Dan Ward-Smith trade places with Joe Worsley on the bench to collect his first start of the season.
Two changes are made to the back line as Dave Walder starts at flyhalf and Riki Flutey moves to partner Ben Jacobs in midfield. Flutey replaces the injured Dom Waldouck who is recovering from a hand laceration.
On the bench Wasps name Charlie Beech, Steve Kefu and David Lemi. All three return to the side after recovery from injury. Beech, who picked up game time against Worthing in pre-season, recovers from an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for much of last season, whilst Kefu and Lemi return from a groin and hamstring complaint respectively.
Looking ahead to the game, Hanks said, "Whilst we were disappointed with the draw last weekend, we have taken a lot of positives from the game and will be eager to build on our performance.
"We did pick up a few injuries with Birkett, Waldouck and Vickery all ruled out this weekend, but the depth running throughout the squad this season still allows us to name a strong 23 man squad and have confidence going into the game. That is a reflection of some really positive recruitment this summer [off-season] and shows the quality we have across all positions this year.
"We are pleased to see James Cannon make his debut, he has worked very hard and shown his quality in the pre-season. It is also a boost to welcome Beech, Kefu and Lemi back to the line up after recovery from injury.
"Newcastle are familiar opponents having faced them in both the Premiership and LV=Cup last season. These fixtures are always highly competitive and with both teams looking to secure early competition points it will be a big game for both clubs."
London Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Richard Haughton, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Nic Berry, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Tom Rees (captain), 6 Dan Ward-Smith, 5 James Cannon, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Zak Taulafo, 2 Rob Webber, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Charlie Beech, 18 Ben Broster, 19 Serge Betsen, 20 Joe Worsley, 21 Charlie Davies, 22 Steve Kefu, 23 David Lemi.
Date: Friday, September 10
Venue: Kingston Park
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT
Referee: JP Doyle
Assistant
referees: Don Helme, Martin Buck
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