50 up for Sopoaga against Exeter Chiefs

January 01, 2021
1502
Ultimate Rugby

Lee Blackett has named his Wasps side to host Exeter Chiefs in Gallagher Premiership Round Five on Saturday.

There are nine changes to the starting 15 that beat Sale Sharks last time out.

Captain Joe Launchbury returns to form the second-row partnership with Will Rowlands.

James Gaskell switches to blindside flanker, where he is joined in the back row by the returning Jack Willis and brother Tom Willis.

Kieran Brookes comes back into the front row alongside Tom Cruse and Tom West.

In the back-line Dan Robson and Jacob Umaga return to form the half-back partnership.

Outside them, Paolo Odogwu switches to the wing in the absence of Zach Kibirige. Juan de Jongh takes Odogwu’s place at outside centre, with de Jongh in line to make his 50^th Premiership appearance.

Lima Sopoaga starts at full-back once more and will make his 50^th appearance for Wasps.

Wasps Head Coach, Lee Blackett, said: “We've got most of our internationals back this week, so that feels like an injection of energy coming back into the squad for this game.

“What a great challenge it is to take on the European and Premiership champions. That's something we're excited about.”

Wasps team to face Exeter Chiefs at Ricoh Arena on Saturday in Gallagher Premiership Round Five (kick-off 2:00pm)

Wasps (First-team appearances)

15 Lima Sopoaga (49)

14 Paolo Odogwu (14)

13 Juan de Jongh (62)

12 Michael Le Bourgeois (41)

11 Josh Bassett (133)

10 Jacob Umaga (33)

9 Dan Robson (126)

1 Tom West (40)

2 Tom Cruse (88)