Raphael Ibanez: Wasps can sail through run-in

Stand-in captain Raphael Ibanez believes London Wasps can handle the pressure of the run-in, starting with tonight's Guinness Premiership clash against Sale.

Facing three games in eight days as they chase a play-off spot, Wasps will field an entirely different pack at Adams Park from the unit that helped beat Worcester 49-12.

Wasps, in sixth place, have opted for the eight that were outstanding in the win over Leicester and that means an all-international front-row of Ibanez, Tim Payne and Phil Vickery, with England's Simon Shaw, Tom Rees and James Haskell also featuring.

Lawrence Dallaglio is rested, so Ibanez will be skipper, as he was against Leicester. The Frenchman said: "We are in a tough run of matches but most of the guys are fit and we know how to deal with this high pressure period of the season."

Wasps are just three points behind fourth-placed Sale and their director of rugby Ian McGeechan said: "Sale are playing well. They are a good all-round side and always a tough team to play - but that's what you expect from sides competing for a top-four place, as we both are."