Premiership | Wasps vs Bristol Bears line ups & preview
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Round 20 of the Premiership kicks off with a bang in what is anticipated to be a blistering clash when Wasps host Bristol at the Ricoh Arena.
To say there is much to play for in this encounter would be an understatement, as Bristol currently occupy third spot, on 58 points, just ahead of Wasps, in fourth, who have run up a tally of 56 points.
Following on from this, should Sale come unstuck against Saracens on Sundays, either Bristol or Wasps have the chance to ascend to second place on the overall standings – an extremely valuable position as the semi-finals loom.
Both teams enjoyed big wins in the previous round; Bristol against Northampton (47-10) and Wasps against Leicester (54-7).
Bristol were completely dominant against Saints, the latter’s forwards wilting in the face of the uncompromising Bears pack which thus gifted their capable backline acres of space in which to flourish.
Similarly, Wasps destroyed Leicester in an eight-try blitz (including a hat-trick by 19 year old Alfie Barbeary), thereby handing them their biggest defeat in league history.
Fans are in for a treat if this game resembles anything of Round 7 clash between these two sides, which saw Wasps steal it at the end (26-21) after a stout and skilful contest.
TEAM NEWS
Wasps
Joe Launchbury will captain the side on his 150th Wasps appearance.
There are seven changes to the starting line-up that beat Leicester on Wednesday.
Bristol Bears
Niyi Adeolokun will make his competitive debut in a Bears jersey when Pat Lam’s men face Wasps in a top-four battle on Sunday.
The winger is one of 12 changes to the side that secured maximum points in the round 19 victory over Northampton Saints.
Director of Rugby Lam includes nine Academy graduates in his matchday squad. In the backline, Chris Cook makes his first start for the club, while Jack Bates, Max Malins and Ioan Lloyd also earn call-ups.
In the pack, only Joe Joyce remains from Tuesday’s side as Bears include Academy back rower James Dun at blindside, while Keiron Assiratti makes his first start since arriving on loan.
