Dawson looks forward to rematch with Leicester

MATT DAWSON last night gave the eagerly-awaited Heineken Cup rematch between Leicester and Wasps added spice by issuing a verbal riposte to his England rival, Harry Ellis.

Wasps star Dawson believes that Ellis tried to “rough him up” during Sunday’s ‘s thrilling Pool One battle between the clubs that Leicester won 37-31.

The victory put Tigers in pole position to secure quarter-final status at Wasps’ expense. If they complete a quickfire double at Welford Road next Sunday, then it would leave Dawson and company reeling.

“Harry had obviously made the decision to get in my face and try to rough me up a bit,” said Wasps scrum-half Dawson, of his opposite number. “But I am little bit more old school. I will defend myself, but I am not going to get involved in stuff like that. It is not the first time Leicester have tried to rough me up a bit, but it was that sort of Test match intensity.”

Dawson must overcome a calf muscle injury to take his place in the Wasps starting line-up at Welford Road, and he knows the reigning European champions are up against it.

Hooker Phil Greening is another injury concern for Wasps after he went off nursing a knee problem, but Leicester would appear to have emerged unscathed from one of the great Heineken Cup battles.

Biarritz, meanwhile, who could still end up topping Pool One ahead of Leicester and Wasps, have suffered a double injury blow.

Their French international wing, Jimmy Marlu, and Argentine centre Federico Martin Arramburu are both likely to miss next Saturday’s encounter against Calvisano in Italy.

Biarritz are yet to play Wasps at home and Leicester away.