Walder returns for Wasps Worcester clash

Wasps fly half returns for Worcester clash at Adams Park on Sunday!

<1r>Running out on home turf for the first time this season, London Wasps will return to Adams Park on Sunday facing Worcester Warriors in Round 2 of the Guinness Premiership.

As Ian McGeechan names his side today, Wasps will see the welcome return of Dave Walder following recovery from a fracture dislocation to his ankle, picked up against the same opponents at Adams Park back in April. Having completed his rehab programme, resuming full training last month, Walder was part of the winning Wasps A side who secured victory over Harlequins at Henley on Monday night - the fly half claiming 22 of the 37 points racked up by the home side.

As well as Walder, changes to the side that ran out at rugby HQ last weekend can also be seen in the backs, with Josh Lewsey moving to full back in place of the injured Mark Van Gisbergen, and Riki Flutey moving to the centre to partner with Wasps young gun Dominic Waldouck.

With an exchange of personnel on the bench, England pair Phil Vickery and Tom Palmer replace Pat Barnard and Richard Birkett in the starting line up as the current champions look to make amends for their opening round defeat against London Irish.

<2r>Looking ahead to the game McGeechan said, "Following on from last weekend we will be eager to make amends at Adams Park on Sunday. We were extremely disappointed by our performance at Twickenham and we are not a club to make excuses ' we know we simply weren't good enough. There has been a lot of hard work put in this week by the players and we will be looking for a strong performance. In Worcester we face a side who have shown continual growth and strength over the course of last season and with an array of international talent among their squad, we can expect a highly competitive fixture as we prepare for our return to Adams Park."

In preparation for their trip to High Wycombe, Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock has made three changes to his Worcester Warriors starting line-up bringing in lock Will Bowley to the second row to partner captain Greg Rawlinson. Ruddock has also recalled Chris Horsman in the front row with Tevita Taumoepeau moving to the bench.

England Sevens international James Collins plays in the back row with Pat Sanderson (quad) still ruled out through injury. Fly half Joe Carlisle (ankle) and wing Marcel Garvey (hip) are also ruled out of the trip to London along with long-term absentee Hal Luscombe.

"London Wasps is not an easy place to go but it's where we want to go, they are the champions and that's where we really want to go next," said Ruddock. "We were so disappointed with our performance at Northampton that what we need now to have a massive challenge and to bring out the best in the boys. The massive challenge is Wasps. They have got similar difficulties in that they have under-performed. This is going to be a big clash as both teams are looking for their first league win. But it's one that we actually really want and are looking forward to."

To view the full team line up click on the TEAM tab above.