WIGAN tomorrow make the first of two visits to Twickenham this month as red-hot favourites to win the Middlesex Sevens.

The way they trounced Bath in midweek has shocked the rugby union world and their awesome speed and power will make them the top attraction.

Coach Graeme West has included Martin Offiah, Va'aiga Tuigamala, Scott Quinnell and Shem Tatupu, who are all union converts in the squad. They will be joined by Craig Murdock, Kris Radlinski, Gary Connolly, Henry Paul, Simon Haughton, Rob Smyth, Jason Robinson and Shaun Edwards.

Wigan's first game is against Richmond at 12.40pm and if they are successful will play the winners of the Gloucester and Harlequins clash at 3.40pm. Their section final is at 5.32pm with the grand final at 6.30pm. Bath coach Brian Ashton predicts that Wigan will defeat all-comers and win the competition.

Ashton, who used to play for Orrell in the heartland of rugby league, predicts: "It would be a fluke if anyone beats them."

If Wigan do triumph on the historic Twickenham turf on the first occasion that any rugby league club has taken part in the competition, it will represent another symbol of the harmony between the two codes.

Ashton said: "I don't care which set of players they put on the pitch.

"They could all be forwards but they will still be quick, strong and more skilful than most rugby union sides."

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