Wasps travel to Gloucester-Hartpury in an important clash as the Premier 15s returns after the Six Nations. They welcome back a number of players that have been representing international and invitational sides over the past six weeks. The fixture will prove crucial in the play-off race this season, with Wasps knowing a big win would seal their top four spot with a game to go.
The game takes added significance as it takes place at Kingsholm Stadium, following the Gallagher Premiership fixture between Gloucester and Wasps. It will be the first of its kind, as the women’s fixture shadows the men’s for both teams.
Wasps have made just three changes to the starting side that took part in a thrilling encounter with Harlequins back in January. The backline remains unchanged, with two of Wasps England players returning from international duty in Abby Dow and Claudia MacDonald.
There are two changes in the back row as Liz Crake returns at number eight after a period out with injury. Claire Molloy, who was named in Scrum Queens Six Nations Team of the Tournament, also is back in the side at flanker. The two pose a real threat going forward, having scored 12 tries already this season between them.
The final change sees Amy Cokayne starting at hooker, fresh off scoring at Twickenham Stadium last weekend.
On the bench, Andrea Stock could make her first appearance for the club and Cliodhna Moloney returns from time out. Gemma Rowland completes her return from a long recovery after showing fantastic form for the development side.
Gloucester-Hartpury have won one of their three fixtures so far in 2019, having suffered a narrow loss at home to Saracens, before drawing with Richmond at the Athletic Ground in round 16. Earlier this season Wasps first half performance earned them a 26-10 win over Gloucester-Hartpury at Twyford Avenue.
Wasps are currently in the final playoff spot with two games left to go in the season. Gloucester-Hartpury sit directly behind them in fifth place, two points back. In order to make the playoff spot safe before the final game of the season, Wasps need to win by four clear league points at Kingsholm.
Team News
15. Nolli Waterman 14. Abby Dow 13. Louise Dodd 12. Kate Alder 11. Tova Derk 10. Lizzie Goulden 9. Claudia Macdonald 8. Liz Crake 7. Claire Molloy 6. Sarah Mitchelson 5. Nora Baltruweit 4. Alice Sheffield 3. Hannah West 2. Amy Cokayne 1. Claire Purdy
16. Rocky Merchant-Clark 17. Andrea Stock 18. Clodhna Moloney 19. Emily Maisey 20. Deidre Roberts 21. Gemma Rowland 22. Kendall Templeman
Courtesy of Wasps
