Many changes for Wasps

Injuries, national call-ups and the need for rest have necessitated many changes for London Wasps as they journey up to Geordieland to play Newcastle Falcons in a Zurich Premiership match on Sunday.

Three Wasps are playing for England in the Six Nations - Matt Dawson, Josh Lewsey, Joe Worsley. Three more are playing for England Under-21 - Tom Rees, James Haskell and James Wellwood.

Martin Purdy also returns after a long lay-off for injury but out goes .Rob Hoadley (hand and calf). Already minus Stuart Abbott, coach Warren Gatland has replaced Hoadley with Matt Priscott at centre. Tom Voyce switches to right wing with Michael Roberts on the left. Harvey Biljon and Alex King start as the halfback paring with Mark Van Gisbergen at fullback.

In the pack Martin Purdy is back from a shoulder injury in August, Phil Greening hooks, Lawrence Dallaglio goes back to No.8 after moving to flank last weekend to test Joe Worsley, and John Hart and George Skivington come onto the flank.

Simon Shaw and Jonny O' Connor will be on the bench. After several weeks of playing non-stop for Wasps and being involved with international training camps, Gatland feels they need some rest but will use them at some time in the game.

London Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Tom Voyce, 13 Ayoola Erinle, 12 Matt Priscott, 11 Michael Roberts, 10 Alex King, 9 Harvey Biljon, 8 Lawrence Dallaglio (captain), 7 George Skivington, 6 John Hart, 5 Richard Birkett, 4 Martin Purdy, 3 Will Green, 2 Phil Greening, 1 Craig Dowd
Replacements: 16 Jonny Barrett, 17 Tim Payne, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 Alistair McKenzie, 20 Warren Fury, 21 Edd Thrower, 22 Jonny O'Connor.

Date: Sunday, 6 February 2005
Kick-off: 14.30
Venue: Kingston Park
Expected weather conditions: Scattered clouds with a high of 6°C and a wind from the north east of 39 km/h
Referee: Rob Debney
Touch judges: John Pearson, Don Helme
Assessor: Brian Leigh