Wasps will roll out the big guns against Guinness Premiership title rivals Bristol on Sunday – stung into action by a public apology from captain Lawrence Dallaglio.
While Dallaglio must content himself with a place on the bench at Adams Park, he can only hope actions speak louder than words for those who take to the field against Bristol.
Dallaglio’s rallying call came in the form of a message on Wasps’ official website, so angered was he by the club’s 37-11 capitulation against Newcastle last time out.
Dallaglio said: "As club captain and captain of the team that played last Friday night, I feel compelled to offer an unreserved apology, on behalf of the team, to all London Wasps supporters and staff for our performance in that fixture.
"In my years as a player at the club I, and the team, have gone through many ups and downs, but never have I felt quite as humiliated and disappointed by a Wasps performance as I was last Friday.
"Our supporters who spent significant time, effort and cost to make the long journey to see us play at Kingston Park deserved much, much more."
Dallaglio then concluded: "I can guarantee that the players who earn their places in this weekend’s team will do justice to this great club and the shirt they are wearing."
James Haskell, named in England’s training squad ahead of the RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against France on Sunday week, replaces Dallaglio at number eight, while Test stars such as Phil Vickery, Josh Lewsey and Phil Vickery all start.
