Harlequins are chasing their second victory over Wasps this season at the Ricoh Arena in the second round of Pool One matches of this year’s Champions Cup on Sunday.
Director of rugby John Kingston makes just one change ahead of the encounter, with hooker Joe Gray returning from injury, with Dave Ward moving to flanker.
Quins’ opening cup game was a nail-biting affair at the Stoop, and despite a late surge from the home side, La Rochelle held on to win.
Kingston said: “The defeat at La Rochelle in the opening round has magnified the importance of the game at Wasps this weekend.
“We secured victory at the Ricoh Arena last month, however Sunday’s match will be a totally different challenge as both teams will be desperate to get their European campaigns up and running.
“Our preparation has been excellent and we are looking forward to what I’m sure will be an exciting European encounter.”
Wasps’ five game losing streak began at the Ricoh in September at the hands of Quins, and the home side will want to make amends for their dip in form.
Head coach Dai Young makes one change in the backline with Juan de Jongh joining Elliot Daly in midfield for his Cup debut.
Ashley Johnson starts at hooker, while Guy Thompson is a welcome return from injury looking to make an impact from the bench.
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Young has had to deal with his fair share of injuries this season and must do without Danny Cipriani in another key game.
“We’re all really looking forward to returning to the Ricoh Arena to play in front of our Wasps fans after a couple of games on the road against Ulster and Saracens,” said Young.
“This is a massive game for both clubs. It’s two team going into the weekend knowing how important this match is in the context of Europe.
“If we don’t get the result we want, realistically we will need to do something pretty special in the last four games to qualify.
“It would be possible, but it would be incredibly difficult and would rely on other results going our way.
“We want to get back to winning ways at the Ricoh Arena, in front of our home fans, as quickly as possible and in reality, we have to start this Sunday if we really want to make a dent on this European competition.”
READ MORE: James Horwill excited to make European Champions Cup debut with Harlequins
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