Wasps host local rivals Harlequins at Twyford Avenue this weekend, looking to build on their strong results so far in 2019. Those in black and gold will be looking for a positive result to keep ahead of Gloucester-Hartpury in the league table with three fixtures remaining.
The hosts have scored 81 points in their previous two fixtures this calendar year. Along with two strong defensive performances, Wasps find themselves in a good position to face the challenge that high flying Harlequins will offer.
Wasps make four changes to the side that ran in seven tries against Darlington Mowden Park Sharks last weekend. The only change in forwards sees two England internationals trade places as Claire Purdy starts at prop with Amy Cokayne moving to the bench.
Alice Sheffield will mark her 100th appearance in black and gold this weekend. She is joined in the back row by Sarah Mitchelson who recently marked her 175th cap, and Maud Muir who picks up her second start for Wasps.
In the backline Wasps welcome back their leading try scorer in Claudia Macdonald at scrum half. Tova Derk picks up her fifteenth start of the season on the wing, and Danielle Waterman returns to fullback.
Harlequins are currently in second place in the Premier 15s and come into the game off a nine try victory over Richmond last weekend, including a hattrick from England winger Jess Breach. So far their only two losses of the season have come away from home against Loughborough Lightning, and in a tightly fought contest against Saracens two weeks ago.
- Danielle Waterman 14. Abby Dow 13. Louise Dodd 12. Kate Alder 11. Tova Derk 10. Lizzie Goulden 9. Claudia Macdonald 8. Sarah Mitchelson 7. Alice Sheffield 6. Maud Muir 5. Nora Baltruweit 4. Kasey Allen 3. Claire Purdy 2. Hannah West 1. Rocky Merchant-Clark
- Amy Cokayne 17. Kanyinsola Adefemiwa-afilaka 18. Kate Hallett 19. Emily Maisey 20. Nic Smith 21. Sammy Graham 22. Flo Williams
Courtesy of the RFU
