Match Preview

Wasps will look to bounce back with a win against Loughborough Lightning this weekend in the development league. Wasps were the only undefeated side in the development league until a frustrating loss at Harlequins two weeks ago. In a tight league, with the top four sides all within three points, the visitors will be keen to prove they are still a cut above the rest.

Wasps have made eight changes to the side that suffered defeat at Surrey Sports Park. Suzie Flowers returns to the side on the wing, as Kendall Templeman, fresh off a try of the week contender against Gloucester-Hartpury last week, comes in at inside centre.

Johanna Dombrowski has her first start at fly half this season, with Michaela Dorrian partnering her at scrum half. Tiana Gordon will make her fourth start of the season in the back row. She is joined by captain Izzy Fisher (Sponsored by Sterling Property Ventures Ltd) who returns after a spell out with injury.

Esteira Hiwaizi is selected alongside Amy Wigley in the second row, as Andrea Stock makes her first start of the season in the front row.

Loughborough Lightning have had mixed fortunes in the development league so far this season, finding themselves sixth in the table. Despite scoring a good number of tries, they have yet to beat a side above them in the league table. Two weeks ago they fell to a 39-10 defeat at home to Worcester Valkyries.

Wasps had been riding high in the development league, but were brought back to earth with a harsh bump against local rivals Harlequins two weeks ago. However, this is unlikely to faze those in black and gold as they have had a number of big victories already this season. They have conceded the fewest points in the division so far, holding their opponents to fewer than 10 points on four occasions. They will look to keep the pressure on for the top stop in the development league with a win this weekend.