Good News - The Boys are Back in Town

[Rossm]

Bobby Bridge reports:

England's Autumn Nations Cup stars hand Wasps Rugby massive boost for Heineken Champions Cup trip to the Dragons

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/rugby/england-rugby-union-wasps-news-19415339

[13thWarrior]

"Blackett revealed post-match that Umaga had one-and-a-half training sessions in a fortnight for club and country." Jesus no wonder he wasn't on his best game. So why do they go to the England camps if they don't even train?

[Shugs]

Well that's good news. I think the only debate is around Launchbury - he may need a rest given the minutes he's had. Cardall, Rowlands with Levi off the bench (if fit) should do with TV if not. For me the rest play.

[hookender]

Didn’t Rowlands play every round?

[Heathen]

Jack and Dan will be itching to get out on the park. Joe might need a game off as perhaps, will Will.

[wasps]

I'm happy to give Joe a rest
However, if he'd been playing for us these past few weeks and was still fit, then he'd play this weekend

[baldpaul101]

given wasps seem short of second rows, power in the forwards & leadership, Joe should play unless he's carrying an injury. as should Rowlands.
the others there shouldn't even be a question about IMO

[DGP Wasp]

Matches / minutes played by Wasps internationals this autumn:

Launchbury: 4 games / 257 mins - (80 v Geo / 68 v Ire / 66 v Wal / 43 v Fra)
Rowlands: 4 games / 219 mins - (56 v Sco / 78 v Ire / 32 v Eng / 53 v Ita)
Minozzi: 3 games / 202 mins - (46 v Eng / 76 v Sco / 80 v Fra)
Robson: 5 games / 76 mins - (9 v Ita / 19 v Geo / 18 v Ire / 4 v Wal / 26 v Fra)
Willis: 2 games / 66 mins - (46 v Geo / 20 v Wal)

Doesn't seem a lot in some cases compared with what they might have played if they'd stayed with Wasps, but bear in mind England v Italy and Wales v Scotland were 1 week after the final, so Rowlands, Minozzi and Robson went straight into internationals with no break at all, while Launch and Willis got one weekend off and all were still training throughout.  I know all the players had a longer break than usual from March to August, but there is a whole season to be played still and you do have to ask when these guys will be given a break.  In 8 weeks time they'll all be back at it in the 6 Nations when national coaches will play them as much as they want, leaving the clubs to manage game time.  Have to trust in Lee and S&C team to do whatever is best for these players and for the club.

[Neils]

Not withstanding the international regulations imposed i would suggest Lee & co will try to put out our strongest most stable team to try to get matters back on track. Rest them as necessary later. I also suspect the returnees will be gasping to play.