Jonny's new role spices up big clash

The elevation of Jonny Wilkinson to the England captaincy and a much improved showing by London Wasps, the reigning champions, has turned Sunday's clash with Newcastle into a sell-out at Wycombe.

Wilkinson, the Newcastle captain, is the biggest name in British rugby. Add in the presence of Wasps' Lawrence Dallaglio, the man who resigned from the England captaincy, and the contest will generate huge interest.

There is also the intriguing personal battle between Wilkinson and Jonny O'Connor, the Wasps open side flanker, who is being tipped for international honours with Ireland and a place on the Lions tour to New Zealand next summer.

O'Connor will be aiming to shackle Wilkinson in a match that could push Wasps closer to retaining the league title for a third successive season.

Warren Gatland, the Wasps director of rugby, said: "There is no doubt that there is a certain buzz ahead of this game. After three consecutive victories and Jonny Wilkinson playing, the fans are eager to see us continue winning and get a glimpse of the country's biggest star.

"Our win at Northampton will hopefully give us the catalyst to maintain our top-four position going into the Heineken Cup and Christmas. We normally mount our challenge during December and this season should be no different."

Rob Andrew, the Newcastle director of rugby, has urged England supporters to be patient during the team's inevitable rebuilding phase under Wilkinson's captaincy.

With England facing Canada, South Africa and Australia at Twickenham next month Andrew said: "It's great for Jonny and for the club.

"My only reservation is that we should just not expect too much from him, or from the England team as a whole, to begin with. I just hope people realise that England are starting to build again."

Meanwhile, Saracens, still coming to terms with the loss of Richard Hill for seven months due to his knee reconstruction, entertain Northampton on Sunday in a match that features two clubs attempting to avoid four successive league defeats.

London Irish are at Sale tonight and face a home side that includes England flanker Chris Jones at lock.