Thrower steps in for absent Exile Horak

Michael Horak is unavailable to play after flying to South Africa for family reasons, so Ed Thrower comes in at fullback.

Meanwhile, centre Rob Hoadley wins a seat on the bench having recovered from a knee injury sustained during the final match of last season.

Looking forward to Sunday's game head coach, Gary Gold said: "Even without their World Cup players Wasps are a strong team. I am expecting another difficult game that will test our recent progress to the full."

London Irish: 15 Ed Thrower, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Geoff Appleford, 12 Nils Mordt, 11 Justin Bishop, 10, Mark Mapletoft, 9 Darren Edwards, 8 Chris Sheasby, 7 Kieron Dawson, 6 Phil Murphy, 5 Bob Casey, 4 Ryan Strudwick (captain), 3 Rob Hardwick, 2 Naka Drotské, 1 Neal Hatley.Replacements: 16 Pierre Durant, 17 Adrian Flavin, 18 Kieran Roche, 19 Declan Danaher, 20 Rob Hoadley, 21 Kevin Barrett, 22 Barry Everitt.