Simon Shaw has the chance to play himself into the England squad for next weekend's Test against New Zealand when Wasps tackle Gloucester in the LV= Cup.

The 35-year-old Lions lock has played just one full game - last weekend's victory over London Irish - since overcoming a nagging foot injury and England have missed his physical presence this autumn.

Shaw spent part of this week training with the England squad and Martin Johnson would relish the chance to unleash him against the All Blacks.

Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks has again selected a side mixing academy graduates with senior players like Shaw and captain Paul Sackey, who has his own England case to prove.

With Phil Vickery and Jason Hobson both out injured, Wasps have named Joe Horn-Smith at tighthead after signing him on loan from London Welsh.

"For Wasps, any win over any London Irish team is satisfying and what I enjoyed most was the positive intent of both teams to play rugby," said Hanks.

"Hopefully that spirit will continue but our challenge this week is to improve on that performance against Gloucester."

The Cherry and Whites have been rocked by the loss of Andy Hazell with a hamstring injury for three months but they welcome back Peter Buxton, Olly Morgan and Nick Wood.

Cardiff Blues are looking to continue their unbeaten Anglo-Welsh Cup home record after securing a narrow 26-25 away win at Gloucester.

The Exiles remain without senior scrum-halves Paul Hodgson and Alfredo Lalanne, who were on international duty at Twickenham today.

But Blues director of rugby Dai Young said: "Last Sunday's result was pleasing but especially the manner of it. The players showed a great attitude and commitment. London Irish will be an equally stern test for us.

"They play an attractive brand of rugby but can mix it with the best of them when they have to as they demonstrated when they beat the reigning Heineken Cup holders Leinster over in Dublin."

At Kingston Park, Rory Clegg will tackle his former club Newcastle as Harlequins attempt to improve on their draw with the Scarlets last weekend.