Wasps v Newcastle: Post Match Thoughts.

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Unfortunately for us we had this on paper, which at the time was a massive coup, every club in the world noticed that we had signed Lima Sopoaga.

As we know this did not work out and from a business perspective he brought very little return on our investment.
We have since invested in the far cheaper option of youth.
Jacob was good enough to get us to the final a while ago playing heads up, instinctive rugby and Atkinson looks to have a more rounded game, although at 20 we still owe him some time to develop.
It is worrying though that Jacob, coming up to 24, is still making the same mistakes he has made for the last few seasons and hasn’t seemingly improved in other areas. (I know not really a useful comparison but him breaking through around the time Marcus Smith, Romain Ntamack and Jalibert were, he hasn’t quite kicked on despite being older than all of them.)

Whilst Lima may not have hit the high spots on the pitch very often, I don't think we should underestimate the work he did with the young 10's who really came on whilst he was at Wasps.

I actually wonder whether the lack of Lima on the training pitch to work things through with Jacob and Charlie after a poor game has actually had an effect on their performances this season.

The legacy George Smith left after only 1 year is still being seen now. If Sopoaga left any legacy it was disappointing performances that don't seem to come close to previous potential with the odd flash of genius every 4 or 5 games.

[Shugs]

I think the only legacy Sopoaga left was to embed in Blackett’s mind the idea that he could go with Umaga and Atkinson. When Umaga took over from Sopoaga the contrast was stark and we played with a freedom that entertained and won games - a lot like Quins. We seem to have “tightened” up mentally and in the case of Umaga it’s hard not to equate it with his introduction to the England camp. No doubt being told if he wanted to play he’d need to be more “pragmatic”. He’s never recovered.

[Rossm]

I think the only legacy Sopoaga left was to embed in Blackett’s mind the idea that he could go with Umaga and Atkinson. When Umaga took over from Sopoaga the contrast was stark and we played with a freedom that entertained and won games - a lot like Quins. We seem to have “tightened” up mentally and in the case of Umaga it’s hard not to equate it with his introduction to the England camp. No doubt being told if he wanted to play he’d need to be more “pragmatic”. He’s never recovered.

It seems obvious to me that Jones got inside Jacob's head and is still there.

[Shugs]

Indeed. I’m struggling to see how our back division for the next few games shouldn’t be Porter, Umaga, Bassett, Fekitoa, Odogwu, Kibirige and Crossdale.

[Rossm]

Indeed. I’m struggling to see how our back division for the next few games shouldn’t be Porter, Umaga, Bassett, Fekitoa, Odogwu, Kibirige and Crossdale.

Hougaard (if fit)?

[wasps]

Indeed. I’m struggling to see how our back division for the next few games shouldn’t be Porter, Umaga, Bassett, Fekitoa, Odogwu, Kibirige and Crossdale.

How many games did the Fekitoa / Odogwu centre partnership get last time?

I know it wasn't many.... But I don't remember seeing much that made me think it was working, other than in potential.

That being said, assuming Mills is injured, I don't have any better options

[Neils]

Indeed. I’m struggling to see how our back division for the next few games shouldn’t be Porter, Umaga, Bassett, Fekitoa, Odogwu, Kibirige and Crossdale.

How many games did the Fekitoa / Odogwu centre partnership get last time?

I know it wasn't many.... But I don't remember seeing much that made me think it was working, other than in potential.

That being said, assuming Mills is injured, I don't have any better options

Who is Mills?

[Shugs]

I just think Odogwu looks like our most potent attacking threat at the moment but he’s not seeing enough ball so I’d move him in one. Kibirige looked sharp ball in hand and provides so much pace. And then FB. I’m not sure why we’ve faffed about so much there when Crossdale looks our best option. He’s as good defensively as Umaga, Watson and Kibirige, has a better kicking game and adds pace going forward.

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Indeed. I’m struggling to see how our back division for the next few games shouldn’t be Porter, Umaga, Bassett, Fekitoa, Odogwu, Kibirige and Crossdale.

How many games did the Fekitoa / Odogwu centre partnership get last time?

I know it wasn't many.... But I don't remember seeing much that made me think it was working, other than in potential.

That being said, assuming Mills is injured, I don't have any better options

Who is Mills?

That's his nickname. His full name is Mills(unavailable).

[Westy68]

Indeed. I’m struggling to see how our back division for the next few games shouldn’t be Porter, Umaga, Bassett, Fekitoa, Odogwu, Kibirige and Crossdale.

How many games did the Fekitoa / Odogwu centre partnership get last time?

I know it wasn't many.... But I don't remember seeing much that made me think it was working, other than in potential.

That being said, assuming Mills is injured, I don't have any better options

Who is Mills?

That's his nickname. His full name is Mills(unavailable).

With is middle name being ‘injured’

[wasps]

Unfortunately, none of you are really joking

[Heathen]

Another observation : all six tries were scored by the forwards.

[Shugs]

Indeed, and it’s not as if he didn’t miss lots of time out with previous clubs. For me, with a shrinking cap, he’s not a viable option for next year.

[andermt]

Another observation : all six tries were scored by the forwards.

Except the one scored by Dan?

[Heathen]

Another observation : all six tries were scored by the forwards.

Except the one scored by Dan?

Missed that one! Yes 5 + 1 (although the break was made by a forward).