Wasps bring back three internationals for Bristol clash

Dan Robson, Thomas Young and Michele Campagnaro have all returned from international duty to feature for Wasps in their Round 13 Gallagher Premiership clash with Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).

Robson, who made his Test debut off the bench for England in Sunday’s win over France, starts at scrum half while Young, who impressed in Wales’ win over Italy, starts in the back row.

Campagnaro returns from Italy duty to feature on the wing, with Wasps top try-scorer Josh Bassett on the opposite flank, as he looks to build on his impressive ten tries so far in this campaign.

Springbok Willie Le Roux starts at full back while Juan de Jongh is joined by Gaby Lovobalavu in the centres. Billy Searle joins Robson in the half-back combination.

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The pack sees Will Stuart starting at tighthead after a wrist injury keeps Jake Cooper-Woolley sidelined, and the young prop is joined by Georgia international Zurabi Zhvania and Tom Cruse in the front row.

Will Rowlands and James Gaskell occupy the second row while Ashley Johnson skippers the side from the back row next to Young and Nizaam Carr.

Simon McIntyre returns after three months out with concussion and is named as tighthead replacement.

Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “There’s been lots of positive talk around the place recently and the way the boys have trained has been excellent.

“We know where we are, the same as nine other teams in the league. We know these upcoming four games will take a big bearing on where we are come the end of the season.

“It’s about accumulating how many points you can in these four games, so then in the next block you have a chance at fighting for the top four.

“Everyone is looking forward to the Bristol game. It’s going to be a tough game and we know that they are a dangerous team.”

Wasps (First-team appearances)

15 Willie Le Roux (46)

14 Michele Campagnaro (6)

13 Juan de Jongh (39)

12 Gaby Lovobalavu (25)

11 Josh Bassett (95)

10 Billy Searle (12)

9 Dan Robson (95)

1 Zurabi Zhvania (16)

2 Tom Cruse (53)

3 Will Stuart (26)

4 Will Rowlands (66)

5 James Gaskell (100)

6 Ashley Johnson (c) (177)

7 Thomas Young (102)

8 Nizaam Carr (27)

Replacements

16 Tommy Taylor (42)

17 Ben Harris (38)

18 Simon McIntyre (153)

19 Kearnan Myall (131)

20 Ben Morris (12)

21 Joe Simpson (248)

22 Lima Sopoaga (18)

23 Rob Miller (95)