Line-ups for first derby meeting of two clubs

EXPERIENCED scrum-half Joe Simpson will start for Wasps when they take on Coventry at the Butts Park Arena this afternoon.

Simpson found his opportunities limited to sub appearances for the most part of last season, while there were rumours he was seeking a move away from the club.

He is joined in the Wasps ‘-A’ XV by fellow senior squad member Kearnan Myall and new signings Ross Neal and Ambrose Curtis.

Pacy full-back Owain James also makes a return to the Butts two years after appearing in National One for Coventry on a dualregistration basis.

Meanwhile, Rowland Winter has made eight changes to the Coventry starting XV that hammered Leinster Development 43-21 in Dublin last Saturday.

The Blue and Whites have scored 17 tries in two convincing wins during pre-season and will be looking to make a third successive victory on Saturday.

Cov will see James Voss feature in Blue and White for the first time as he is set to make his debut at lock alongside Tom Jubb, who has had an impressive start to pre-season.

James Gibbons and Phil Boulton retain their place and are joined by Phil Nilsen in the front row, the powerful hooker will be looking to make an impact as selection for the first Championship game against Jersey beckons.

A new-look back row will feature Adam Peters, who makes his debut in Blue and White.

He will be joined by the powerful Polynesian Latu Makaafi and crash-ball specialist Ben Nutley.

Quick-ball scrum-half Tom Kessell holds his spot and will make a new partnership with Will Maisey, whilst Sam Tuitupou is joined by captain Heath Stevens in the midfield, who comes back into the starting line-up.

Try-scoring machine Junior Bulumakau rejoins the side from the bench to partner James Stokes and former Gloucester man David Halaifonua in an exciting looking back three.

As a supplement to the named squad, there may be further additions following on from last night’s Nighthawks match against Cambridge.