Times today:
There have been notable moves despite pandemic-restricted spending, none more so than the arrival of the 29-year-old All Black at Wasps
Stuart Barnes
Pummelled by the pandemic, the English club game enters the new season with the boardrooms of the 13 top-flight clubs predominantly in survival mode. What cash remains in the coffers was certainly not flashed. An at times anonymous transfer market has been far from business as usual.
Tentative off the field, the competition enters 2021-22 on the most optimistic imaginable note. Restricted finances gave way to borderless ambition as Harlequins spearheaded the finest finale in the history of the Premiership. Bristol, Exeter and Sale all played their part in thrilling play-off matches.
The semi-finals and final were superb games. The increased ambition that acted as a glaring counterpoint to the conservatism of the national team was backed up with an accuracy often lacking in the earlier part of the campaign.
Not one club has attempted to accentuate the feel-good factor with a mass of high-profile signings. No one is buying success with an open chequebook. Each signing must be justified in these tightened times. The most exciting bit of business could be the most significant.
The best signing
After a disappointing season Wasps have found the answer to more than a few of the problems that dogged their campaign. His name is Vaea Fifita, a 29-year-old, capped 11 times by New Zealand, who played a prominent role in the Hurricanes Super Rugby team as a back-row forward able to play lock.
Anyone who remembers the try he scored against Argentina three years ago will be aware of his speed, strength and dynamism. There is more than a little of Bristol’s Steven Luatua to the way he plays. As lithe as the Bears talisman, he possesses infinitely more pace. He also has an incredible spring to his leaping. There were times when Wasps struggled at the lineout. With Wasps dependent on quick ball, it was no wonder Jacob Umaga and the back line stuttered.
Wasps have a plethora of back-five options. Many of them are injury prone, a few — when fit — could be unavailable through international duty. A back row with the graft of another former Hurricane, Brad Shields, balanced by the blistering brilliance and big hitting of the Tongan-born Fifita is set to reignite Wasps. No newcomer will bring more thrills to the Premiership.
Topic: Barnes on Fifita (Read 1749 times)
Always a Wasp