“Wasps Will Provide A Good Challenge” – Richards
The Falcons have made a total of five changes in personnel from their Aviva Premiership reverse against Northampton Saints, including a new half back pairing in the shape of Ruki Tipuna and Juan Pablo Socino, with the Director of Rugby keen to see how they perform.
“From a back line perspective, I think we’re looking pretty good. Juan starting at 10 allows Gonzalo to come in at outside centre and Adam moves to Inside Centre while on the wings we have Sinoti and and Alex, who it’s really pleasing to have back from injury.
“We like what the half backs offer, they have great skills between the two of them the both like to control the game and will look to put their own stamp on the game.”
“I said in the press earlier in the week how Juan is a quality player and with him starting at and controlling things at ten and I expect he will show that again.”
“Ruki meanwhile has been exciting when he has come of the bench at 9 and he fully deserves his starting opportunity the weekend.”
Facing a Wasps team who recorded an eye catching win at home over Northampton in round 2 and have secured losing bonus points in their losses to Saracens and Harlequins, Richards is fully aware of the test that awaits his team on Sunday.
Richards said: “Wasps are a very good side, when you can afford to rest the likes of a Launchbury, but can then bring in the likes of a Gaskell shows the strength in depth that they have. They will be a real challenge and a handful.”
