Wasps will host Harlequins at Twyford Avenue in the development league, as both sides continue to battle for the top spot. With just five points separating the top three sides as we enter the latter stages of the season, picking up a win in this big clash could prove vital come the end of the year.
The home side have been in outstanding form in the development league this season, having won all of their previous six fixtures. Their only loss of the season came at the hands of their opponents, Harlequins, in a hotly fought contest at Surrey Sports Park back in November. Wasps will undoubtedly be looking to ensure they do not suffer to same fate this time around.
Wasps have made seven changes to the side that ran in seven tries against Gloucester-Hartpury at Grasshoppers RFC three weeks ago. There are just two changes in the backline with Deidre Roberts looking to add to her seven tries so far this season in as many appearances from scrum half. Gemma Rowland continues her return from injury as she has her first start of the season at inside centre.
Team captain, Izzy Fisher returns to the side in the backrow. Emily Maisey and club stalwart Kasey Allen make up the second-row pairing.
Kate Hallett, who has picked up three tries in her last two appearances, returns to the front row with Daniker Willmore, who represented the RAF last weekend against Lichfield Ladies.
Harlequins have also demonstrated their strength in their development side this season. They have just two losses to their, both coming at the hands of the Saracens side who are currently top of the table. They had a strong 55-17 victory away at Darlington Mowden Park Sharks last weekend. With a side featuring a number of internationals, it was debutante Bethany Wilcock who took the headlines with four tries.
With Wasps hosting Harlequins and then Saracens next weekend, they will want to ensure they continue the momentum they have built up. With a huge amount of hard working going into training, they will look to convert that into a positive performance at Twyford Avenue on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, England international Harriet Millar-Mills, who has been coaching the development side this season while recovering from injury, said;
“I am excited to see what the girls can produce against what will be a challenging Harlequins side. It’ll be a tough game; however, we have been developing so much each week, both in games and training.”
TEAM NEWS
- Katie Mason 14. Garnet Mackinder 13. Kendall Templeman 12. Gemma Rowland 11. Makeda Lewis 10. Flo Williams 9. Deidre Roberts 8. Georgia Wood 7. Megan Horwood 6. Izzy Fisher 5. Emily Maisey 4. Kasey Allen 3. Kate Hallett 2. Daniker Willmore 1. Mica Evans
- Helena Ironton 17. Caroline Flohil 18. Tiana Gordon 19. Christiana Balogun 20. Johanna Dombrowski 21. Amy Atkinson 22. Rose Dixon
Courtesy of Wasps
