'Richards in the Dawson mould'

Peter Richards keeps Rob Howley out of the London Wasps team on Sunday with his club boss comparing his scrum-half qualities to those of England's Matt Dawson.

The versatility and tenacious approach of the 25-year-old new signing look like reviving a career that lost momentum after he made an England tour five years ago.

Richards starred in last week's 42-3 win over Saracens, which Howley missed after a motorway shunt.

Howley is fit for Sunday's visit of Newcastle but Wasps director of rugby Warren Gatland has decided Richards should keep his place.

Gatland said: "Peter got better and better at Saracens. He's quickly shown he is the best we have in contact and is very much in the Matt Dawson-mould in terms of physicality. He's a good kicker and will learn to control games more. He can go a lot further in the game."

Richards was playing for Harlequins at 18 and has also had spells at London Irish and in Italy.

He said: "Wasps are a club that expect success. It is noticeable how many England players come from winning teams like Wasps.

"England is obviously a long way down the track at the moment - getting in the Wasps side and staying there is what it is all about. But if you want to play for your country you have to show you are a winner."

Tomorrow struggling Saracens go to Rotherham, the only team below the Vicarage Road side in the table.

Morgan Williams, the Canada scrum-half, is due back from the World Cup to be on the Saracens bench. Prop Emiliano Bergamaschi will start ahead of Andy Kershaw.

Rod Kafer, the Saracens coach, said: "We have done a bit of soul-searching after the Wasps game. We must show character, pride and determination."

Quins have five players back from injury at Leeds tonight, including hooker Ace Tiatia, outside-centre Chris Bell and winger Ugo Monyeand.

Also tonight, London Irish are at Sale, where Barry Everitt comes in at fly-half for ankle injury victim Mark Mapletoft.