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Preview: Wasps v Bath

Friday 16th May 2008

Walking tall: Dallaglio will be hoping for a big effort on Sunday

Having won nine of their last ten games Wasps will entertain to Bath at Adams Park in the first of the Guinness Premiership semi-finals on Sunday.

Going into the final few weeks of the regular season Bath seemed favourites to secure home advantage, but they didn't take into account Wasps' ability to win with bonus points. Three bonus point wins in their last four games was enough to see a resurgent Wasps outfit pip their opponents into second place.

Add to that the fact Wasps have had something of a stranglehold over Bath this season, two wins from two, and the West country side are facing a mighty battle to make their first Guinness Premiership Final in four years.

That said their is a genuine belief in the Bath camp, epitomised by Springbok fly-half Butch James, who spoke to Planet Rugby during the week.

"We are facing up to a tricky game on Sunday," James said,

"But having seen how we can play throughout this season there is now reason why we can't go there and win it.

"The key is not to talk a great game beforehand to go and blow it but rather let our rugby do the talking and hope that is enough to see us into the final."

And if Bath want a reminder of just how good they can be it will be their recent win over Saracens. A forty-minute masterclass of near perfect rugby saw them destroy the Heineken Cup semi-finalists in the first half. 45-0 at the break spoke volumes for Bath's ability, the question now is can they reproduce that sort of form again?

Head Coach Steve Meehan is confident they can make it third time lucky against Wasps this season, and has selected his side to suit the game he knows Wasps will bring to the table.

"What we have to work on from last week is our selection in regards to where we go and attack," Meehan said.

"We have to try and shift the ball, be comfortable on the ball and make sure we recycle well and find a space."

The South African duo of Michael Claassens and Butch James form the now formidable half-back pairing, and will be joined in a strong midfield axis by the in-form Olly Barkley and Alex Crockett.

In the pack Meehan goes with the England quartet of Michael Lipman, openside, Steve Borthwick, second row, Matt Stevens, tighthead, and Lee Mears at hooker.

London Wasps Director of Rugby Ian McGeechan, fresh from being named Head Coach of the 2009 Lions, also has the luxury of selecting a host of England tourists.

Paul Sackey has proved his fitness and takes his place in an all-international back-three alongside fellow wing Tom Voyce and full-back Josh Lewsey.

Ireland scrum-half Eoin Reddan partners Danny Cipriani at half-back with influential Riki Flutey donning the twelve jersey.

The side is captained by Lawrence Dallaglio who could be featuring in his last ever game of rugby. If Wasps fail to make the final then Dallaglio will finish his illustrious career on a losing note.

The magnitude of the game was not lost on McGeechan.

"We are in the play-offs now, and the stakes have risen accordingly," he said.

"In Bath we are playing a side that is probably the most consistent all season. They are well-coached and play good rugby, which will challenge us in all areas.

"We will have to have every part of our game working well if we are to come out with a win."

Players to Watch:

For Wasps: He may not be at the peak of his powers anymore but Lawrence Dallaglio will be looking to finish his career on a high, and he will have his eyes on yet another Guinness Premiership title. Whilst he lacks a little extra zest these days there is still plenty in the tank, not forgetting his phenomenal ability to lead his team from the front. Expect 'Lol' to turn in a top class performance full of pride and passion.

For Bath: He may seem like the obvious choice but why not when in such good form. Olly Barkley is the best inside centre in the tournament and has been carving teams up at the business end of the season. He gives Butch James an extra kicking option and given a yard of space will cut Wasps to pieces. Not only that but his defence has gone from strength to strength this season, an area of weakness before. Barkley will be looking to lead Bath into their second final of the season.

Head-to-Head: Not just in the context of this game, but also looking ahead to the England tour the battle of the opensides will be a fantastic watch. Both Michael Lipman and Tom Rees will be harbouring serious ambitions of wearing the seven jersey in New Zealand but before they can do that they will need to impress on Sunday. All eyes will be on them and Lipman, the current owner of the England shirt, will be doing his level best to ensure it stays that way.

Form: Wasps' only defeat in the Guinness Premiership since the end of January was 17-25 at home to Gloucester on 4 May. Wasps have suffered only one other defeat at Adams Park this season: 17-20 to Leicester on 30 September. The Londoners lost their last Premiership semi-final 12-22 at Sale Sharks in May 2006. Bath have made it to the playoffs for the first time since they topped the league table in season 2003/04. Bath's 6-8 defeat at Gloucester ended a five game winning run in all competitions. Bath have won just one of their last four away encounters in the Guinness Premiership: 23-20 at Worcester on 19 April. Wasps achieved a Guinness Premiership regular season double over Bath this season for the first time since 2001/02. Bath have lost on their last three visits to Adams Park, since a 12-9 victory in the Premiership on 29 January 2005.

Prediction: Both sides are in form but one feels Wasps have to much experience at this stage of the season. Add to that they will play in front of their home crowd and it all points to a Wasps win. Wasps by six points.

The Teams:

Wasps: 15 Josh Lewsey, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Fraser Waters, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Tom Voyce, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Lawrence Dallaglio (c), 7 Tom Rees, 6 James Haskell, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Pat Barnard, 2 Raphaël Ibañez, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: (from) Richard Birkett, Tom French, John Hart, Joe Ward, Joe Worsley, Mark McMillan, Jeremy Staunton, Mark Van Gisbergen, Dominic Waldouck.

Bath: 15 Joe Maddock, 14 Andy Higgins, 13 Alex Crockett, 12 Olly Barkley, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Butch James, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Daniel Browne, 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Jonny Faamatuainu, 5 Danny Grewcock, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Lee Mears, 1 David Barnes.
Replacements: 16 Pieter Dixon, 17 Duncan Bell, 18 Peter Short, 19 Chris Goodman, 20 Mike Baxter, 21 Shaun Berne, 22 Nick Abendanon.

Date: Sunday 18 May, 2008
Kick-off: 14:00 BST (13:00 GMT)
Venue: Adams Park
Referee: Chris White
Touch judges: Robin Goodliffe, Paul Dix
Assessor: Brian Campsall
Television match official: Matt Peters, Graham Hughes