THREE GAMES TO DEFINE WASPS YEAR
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 said “From third to 12th, there is nothing really in it. 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.
“It will be a fantastic occasion with over 30,000 expected at the Ricoh so we want to go out there and put in a performance.”
Charlie Sharples will make his 250th appearance for Gloucester as they travel to Kingston Park to face Newcastle.
Flanker Lewis Ludlow has recovered from a wrist injury that has kept him out since October, but the Cherry and Whites must do without Danny Cipriani, ruled out for six weeks with a chest injury.
Bottom-placed Newcastle make five changes with centre Josh Matavesi returning from a three-and-a-half month absence.
Alex Tait replaces the injured Sinoti Sinoti on the left wing, Logovi’i Mulipola comes in at tighthead, with Calum Green drafted into the second row and Gary Graham comes in at blindside.