The two second-row forwards have had to watch on as the Chiefs have made progress in both the Aviva Premiership and the Amlin Challenge Cup in recent weeks. However, both men return to the starting XV for Exeter's latest cup assignment.

Short, a summer signing from Bath, has not featured for the Devon club since breaking his leg against Wasps back in September, whilst Hanks has been ruled out of action since coming off in the home game against Worcester Warriors in December.

For Baxter, though, having both players back amongst the first team picture is vital, especially as the season begins to crank up another notch. The inclusion of the duo, along with that of a number of those who have been on the first team periphery in recent weeks, means Baxter has plenty of new options to choose from ahead of this weekend's tussle.

"We're looking forward to it," said Baxter reflecting on tomorrow's trip. "We are going well in the Premiership; we've had a good weekend in Europe and this weekend gives us an opportunity to take a look at a few guys coming back from injury, whilst at the same time take a good, fresh, strong squad to Wasps. It's the kind of game, we feel, where we can put in a big performance from a few guys coming back and at the same time start to build some squad strength going into the Leicester game in a few weeks' time.

"It's a big boost for us to have both Shorty and Hanksy back and if they come through strongly, we are starting to get near enough a fully-fit front five which is important to us. Recently we have had opportunities to rotate the front row, which again is important, and it helps keep everyone fresh. At the moment we're not quite sure what Craig Mitchell's involvement with Wales will be, so having everyone up and running going into those Premiership games will be vital.

"At the same time, it also keeps a happy camp because the more rugby you can get everyone playing, the happier people will be. Over this month people will get opportunities which some of them will take, some of them won't? That said, I always anticipate one or two guys coming through during that period and forcing their way into the next block of games and that is what I hope to see in these next two LV games."

With the Chiefs lying second in Pool 4, five points behind leaders Northampton Saints, Baxter knows a victory is vital in Wycombe this weekend if the club are to keep alive their domestic cup hopes.

"We are in a nice place right now," admitted Baxter. "But it's been a nice place to come and work for a couple of years now. We are enjoying things and we are on the up. Being 19 points clear of the bottom in the Premiership means we can really attack games, including the LV cup as well. We have talked this week to the players about being ambitious and attacking these games - and that is very much what we will look to do on Saturday.

"As I said, I am looking forward to the game and seeing this fresh group of players in action. I hope to see the hunger in the guys because this is a big opportunity in their hands. I do like to say players pick sides, not coaches - and that is very true. I hope by the time we pick for the Leicester game that we are picking 'full-on' based on performances over this last month. Over these next two weeks the guys have great opportunities; it's up to them to take them."

Having defeated Wasps already this season, Baxter expects a tough test against their league rivals who, like the Chiefs, come into the game on the back of successive victories in the Amlin Challenge Cup.

"It's always a tough game up there," said the coach. "But that is what being in the Premiership is all about. You don't roll into one week thinking it will be nice and easy because that simply doesn't happen. All the time we talk about having tough games and this is one. You need to play in these type games to improve and this weekend will be another example of that."

As well as the return of both Hanks and Short, the Chiefs hand a first-ever start to Academy product Sam Hill, who this season has been dual-registered with Championship side Cornish Pirates.

On the bench, more of the club's up-and-coming youngsters, Jack Arnott and Sam Jones, are included for the first time, whilst England Under-20s prop Luke Cowan-Dickie will be hoping for more first team exposure off the bench.

EXETER CHIEFS SIDE TO FACE LONDON WASPS

15 Myles Dorrian
14 Bryan Rennie
13 Phil Dollman
12 Sam Hill
11 Mark Foster
10 Gareth Steenson (capt)
9 Pat Phibbs
1 Hoani Tui
2 Chris Whitehead
3 Craig Mitchell
4 Peter Short
5 James Hanks
6 Dave Ewers
7 Ben White
8 James Phillips

16 Simon Alcott
17 Luke Cowan-Dickie
18 Chris Budgen
19 Chris Bentley
20 Aly Muldowney
21 Junior Poluleuligaga
22 Jack Arnott
23 Sam Jones