ZP Preview: Another Craic in the Valley

Dead-eyed
By Sparkie
February 7 2003

London Irish are looking to bounce back immediately from their home defeat to Sale last weekend. If they take a leaf out of Wasps' book then they will have just reviewed the video of the 31-21 drubbing that Wasps handed out to them at the Madejski Stadium on 29 September 2002.

(Look out for the JC t-shirts on sale at the ground - all proceeds go to Jarrod Cunningham's SALSA Fund)

That particular match heralded a false dawn for Wasps' hopes for the season. In true Wasp fashion we would play fabulously one week and go back into our shells the next. Even in the same game, if you bore witness to our rise to a 31-7 lead and then capitulate to allow 14 late points due to Declan Danaher's promptings.

Irish, on the other hand, made a poor start to this campaign but they were improving rapidly until last weekend's reverse at home to Sale, having registered six win in seven matches. However, three of these wins were in cup competitions and despite their stunning win at Franklin's Gardens they remain just above the relegation mire.

This weekend's fixture list has a very top v. bottom feel to it which means it is imperative for Wasps to grab a home win. If past results are anything to go by, this will be a scrap and a half as we lead the 17 match Premiership series with nine wins to eight. The game with our neighbours is close to selling out too -- which means arrive early and be prepared to queue for 20-30 minutes to get into one of the car parks.

Lawrence Dallaglio is pencilled in to start after resting his injured shoulder for a day or two this week. He needs another big performance if he's to convince Clive Woodward that he should start for England against France. Chris O'Sheasby and friends will beg to differ. Our captain couldn't have a tougher fitness test.

Rob Howley rests a slight knock to one hand giving Martyn Wood the chance to improve on his good form this season. The other change to the team sheet sees a welcome return for Josh Lewsey on the wing. His fifteen minutes as replacement for John Rudd last weekend revealed his hunger to get involved and he should add to his try tally this weekend. Unfortunately our top scorer against Irish, Paul Sampson, will not be around to add to his five tries.

As for Irish, there are two changes to the starting line-up of the team that played Sale. Squad rotation sees Rob Hardwick and Kieron Dawson stand down for Simon Halford and Declan Danaher respectively. Unavailable for selection because of injury are: Justin Bishop (dislocated finger), Kevin Burke (knee), Darren Edwards (dislocated shoulder) and Ryan Strudwick (ankle) while Naka Drotske does not figure because of the presence of two non-Europeans in Irish's squad. This loss is our gain! However, Brendan Venter announced this week that he intends to return to South Africa at the close of this season. He will be motivated to make his last seven appearances in green telling ones. Expect a stern test from Irish on Sunday.

Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen; 14 Josh Lewsey, 13 Fraser Waters, 12 Stuart Abbott, 11 Kenny Logan; 10 Alex King, 9 Martyn Wood; 1 Craig Dowd, 2 Trevor Leota, 3 Will Green, 4 Simon Shaw, 5 Richard Birkett, 6 Joe Worsley, 7 Paul Volley, 8 Lawrence Dallaglio (Capt.)

Bench: 16 Rob Howley, 17 Phil Greening, 18 John Rudd, 19 Ayoola Erinle, 20 Peter Scrivener, 21 Mark Lock, 22 Andy Kershaw

15. Mark Mapletoft; 14. Paul Sackey; 13. Nick Burrows; 12. Brendan Venter; 11. Michael Horak; 10. Barry Everitt; 9. Hentie Martens; 1. Mike Worsley; 2. Richard Kirke; 3. Simon Halford; 4. Bob Casey; 5. Nick Kennedy; 6. Paul Gustard (Captain); 7. Declan Danaher; 8.Chris Sheasby. Replacements: 16. Kevin Barrett; 17. Geoff Appleford; 18. Glenn Delaney; 19. Adrian Flavin; 20. Kieron Dawson; 21. Neal Hatley; 22. Rob Hardwick.

Previously v. Irish:

 29 Sep 2002   31 - 21   @ Madejski Stadium
 24 Feb 2002   17 - 31   @ Madejski Stadium
 14 Oct 2001   15 - 20   @ Loftus Road     
 27 Dec 2000   29 - 16   @ Loftus Road     
 16 Dec 2000   13 - 14   @ Madejski Stadium
 17 May 2000   24 - 45   @ The Stoop       
 10 Oct 1999   43 - 20   @ Loftus Road     
 14 Mar 1999   38 - 27   @ Loftus Road     
 19 Sep 1998   36 - 24   @ The Avenue      
 15 Mar 1998   19 - 38   @ Loftus Road
 26 Oct 1997   17 - 22   @ The Avenue
 26 Mar 1997   31 - 18   @ Loftus Rd
 16 Nov 1996   22 - 20   @ Repton Avenue
 26 Mar 1994   21 - 22   @ The Avenue
 26 Feb 1994   29 - 14   @ Repton Avenue
 13 Feb 1993   18 -  9   @ The Avenue