Three games could define Bath season
WASPS director of rugby Dai Young believes the festive period is critical to the club’s prospects this season.
Young’s side face Bath at the Ricoh Arena today, before a trip to Harlequins on December 29 and then welcome Northampton to Coventry on January 6.
All four clubs are separated by just five points in the Gallagher Premiership in what is a very tightly packed table, outside of leaders Saracens and Exeter, who have separated themselves from the pack.
Young told the club’s official website: “From third down to 12th, there is nothing really in it between the teams in the Premiership. There are no easy games. This upcoming block of three games will almost define our season.
“Our recent performances have been heading in the right direction but we have to turn them into results now.”
Brad Shields and Jake Cooper-woolley return for Wasps against Bath after shaking off ankle and rib injuries respectively.
Dan Robson returns on the bench after an ankle injury of his own, while Tom Cruse (knee) and Nathan Hughes (hip) are also among the replacements.
Will Chudley will captain Bath, with Freddie Burns returning at fly-half to join him in the half-backs. Ruaridh Mcconnochie switches from full-back to left wing and James Wilson comes into the side at 15.
Hooker Tom Dunn is expecting a tough test in front of a sell-out Ricoh Arena crowd but is confident Bath can come out on top.
He told the Bath Chronicle: “Wasps are a class outfit. They’ve been top four the last couple of years and achieved more than we’ve achieved.
“But we’ve had a look at them and think there’s an opportunity there. They play on momentum. As soon as you give them that the score can shift in their favour so quickly.
“Don’t give them that first shot is the key. They’ve got a good armoury there.”