ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP:A RELEGATION-THREATENED Worcester will be desperately looking to take advantage of an impressive home record against Wasps in the English Premiership today.
The Warriors trail next-to-bottom Leeds by three points and have just three matches left to preserve their top-flight status. They have won just one of their last 15 league matches but will be encouraged by the fact Wasps have never won in five previous visits to Sixways and have not won away from home in the Premiership in 2010.
“Wasps have always struggled to clinch a win at Sixways and, with both sides battling for vital points this weekend, we expect a hugely competitive game,” said Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks.
Hanks reshuffles his pack with Zak Taulafo, Simon Shaw and captain Tom Rees back in the starting line-up and Dan Ward-Smith moving to the backrow while a strong bench includes Phil Vickery, who is set to make his comeback after five months out with a a neck injury.
“We have received the boost of seeing players return week-in week-out and we are delighted that Phil Vickery comes into the match 23 this Saturday after a lot of hard work and drive to get back to fitness,” added Hanks.
Worcester are boosted by the return of centre Sam Tuitupou and number eight Netani Talei to their starting line-up.
“Sam has been missed over the last few games and there’s no doubt he will want to make his presence felt with some hard hitting and strong running,” said director of rugby Mike Ruddock. “Netani Talei did very well last week off the bench, carrying a lot of ball for us, and he has been rewarded with a start.”
Sale, who are only three points above Leeds, are being urged to play their way out of trouble as they prepare to take on Bath at The Rec. The Sharks have already lost twice to their opponents this season but director of rugby Kingsley Jones said: “We’ve got a strong team and we’re looking to go to The Rec and play. We expect a fast game and know how dangerous Bath are with ball in hand. We need to defend well when we don’t have possession and look after the ball and challenge Bath when we do.”
Bath coach Steve Meehan is hoping his players will be fully focused after admitting there was a buzz in the camp following this week’s takeover by new owner Bruce Craig. “Saturday is now the most important day for Bath Rugby,” said Meehan. “It’s been a while since we played at The Rec so I am expecting there to be a massive buzz around the entire city given what’s happened this week but it’s all about Sale now and then we will turn our attentions to Northampton.”
Northampton can leapfrog Leicester into top spot in the table if they complete their first double over Gloucester for nine years at Franklin’s Gardens today. Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder says last week’s exit from the Heineken Cup at the hands of Munster has enabled them to channel all their focus on the league. “The Guinness Premiership is the only competition left for us now and we can put everything into it,” he said.
Gloucester have lost their last three meetings with Mallinder’s men, including last month’s final of the LV= Cup at Worcester. “Our ball retention on that day wasn’t great but we proved we can compete against Northampton,” said Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath.
In today’s other game, Saracens will be looking for a fourth win at Wembley this season when they take on Harlequins, having won there against Northampton, Worcester and South Africa.
Remaining Fixtures(3pm unless stated)
Today – Bath v Sale; Northampton v Gloucester; Saracens v Harlequins, 5.30pm; Worcester v Wasps. Tomorrow – L Irish v Leeds, Newcastle v Leicester. Fri, Apr 23rd – Sale v Newcastle, 7.45pm. Sat, Apr 24th – Gloucester v L Irish; Leicester v Harlequins; Wasps v Bath; Northampton v Saracens. Sun, Apr 25th – Leeds v Worcester. Sat, May 8th – Bath v Leeds; Harlequins v Sale; Leicester v Saracens; L Irish v Northampton; Newcastle v Wasps; Worcester v Gloucester. Semi-finals – May 15th/16th. Final – Sat, May 29th.
