Wasps ready to flick attack switch
WING sensation Ross Neal reckons Wasps are ready to hit the heights of old as they bid to send Bath spiralling towards the drop.
Neal was encouraged by a battling performance at Toulouse and is relishing a return to league action in front of a 30,000 crowd.
He said: “Against Toulouse we scored two first-phase tries and there was a lot of attacking promise. It looked like the old Wasps that gets people excited so there were plenty of positives we can take into today’s game.
“Bath are a class side, but this is a massive period for us and we want to take full points before we take on Quins at Twickenham next week.
“It might not be a repeat of the 35-35 Champions Cup game with Bath in October when there was loads of free-flowing rugby. But both sides have decent intent to play and we’re going in with momentum.”
Neal retains his wing spot in an unchanged back division, while flanker Brad Shields and prop Jake Cooper-Woolley are back from knocks. Will Rowlands is restored at lock, while England No.9 hopeful Dan Robson is on the bench following ankle surgery.
Former London Irish centre Neal has proved a revelation in the wider channel since replacing Christian Wade last month.
The pair occupy different ends of the physical spectrum with Neal being a 6ft 5ins, 17st giant in the mould of a Matt Banahan.
However, Neal said: “I’m the opposite of Wadey but feel I can be a real gain-line threat.
“It didn’t go well for me when I played on the wing for London Irish in the Championship two years ago but our backs coach, Lee Blackett, thought it might still be a good spot for me and it’s gone pretty well for me out there.
“Wadey was class and a different style of wing, but I think I offer a lot under the high ball and defensively I’m strong from being a centre. It’s been a baptism of fire but I’m finishing some decent tries as well.”
Will Chudley captains Bath as they arrive on the back of just one win in 12 games in all competitions, four points off the bottom.
Freddie Burns returns at fly-half and Jamie Roberts and Max Wright link-up in the centres, while Ruaridh McConnochie switches to the left wing and James Wilson is at full-back.
Two changes up front see Nathan Catt in at loosehead, while Elliott Stooke replaces Charlie Ewels in the row. Scrum-half Chudley said: “Wasps looked to be getting their attacking game back to its best against Toulouse. It’s going to be a big test for us.”