Daly back on show as Young calls for intensity

LIONS star Elliot Daly will make his first start of the season for Wasps following an extended pre-season break.

Daly has been named at outside centre while fellow Lion James Haskell takes a place on the bench after successful surgery on a finger injury.

England No.8 Nathan Hughes is primed to make his 100th appearance for Wasps with Matt Symons and skipper Joe Launchbury packing down in front of him as Kearnan Myall and James Gaskell are sidelined by injury.

In the backline, Joe Simpson starts alongside Danny Cipriani at halfback while there are welcome returns to fitness for Christian Wade on the wing and Juan de Jongh who joins the replacements.

Wasps boss Dai Young said: “We know our accuracy and intensity will need to be much better this weekend than it was at Worcester if we’re to get the result we want.

“If Harlequins hit their straps, they’re going to be a formidable team this season. They’re packed with England internationals and have quality throughout.”

Dave Ward moves back to hooker for Harlequins with Mat Luamanu coming into the back row and Marcus Smith starting at fly-half.

Director of rugby, John Kingston said: “Wasps will present a formidable challenge, particularly at the Ricoh Arena, a place where they are unbeaten for almost two years.”