Blackett on Gloucester game

[hookender]

https://coventryobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-blackett-wasps-prepared-to-face-fresh-gloucester/

[NellyWellyWaspy]

mmm.

I don't fancy our chances. The bookies agree (current odds as low as 4/7 for Gloucester to win).

[Rossm]

All you need to know ahead of our trip to Kingsholm on Saturday...

Gameday Guide from the offy.

https://www.wasps.co.uk/fixtures-results/gameday-guide/?id=258203&teamId=100889

One or two intriguing stats in this.

[Shugs]

Gloucester look a good team this year based on the twin pillars of three outstanding centres (Atkinson, Twelvetrees, Harris) and a deadly rolling maul. It’s a tough ask to go there and win - especially on the dreaded plastic.

[Neils]

Referee: Matthew Carley (118th Premiership game).

Assistant Referees: Greg Macdonald & John Meredith.

TMO: Claire Hodnett.

Citing Officer: Dave Guyan.

No Chance

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Referee: Matthew Carley (118th Premiership game).

Assistant Referees: Greg Macdonald & John Meredith.

TMO: Claire Hodnett.

Citing Officer: Dave Guyan.

No Chance

I wonder if Claire will have some new glasses?

[RogerE]

As long as she only misses our players dropping the ball then she can keep the ones she was wearing at Saints

[NellyWellyWaspy]

As long as she only misses our players dropping the ball then she can keep the ones she was wearing at Saints

[Heathen]

Interesting that Reynal is i/c of Irish v Quins. Apparently requested a French referee ahead of the next set of European matches.

[Chunky24]

Interesting that Reynal is i/c of Irish v Quins. Apparently requested a French referee ahead of the next set of European matches.

The TMO at the Falcons game last week was French, there was a mention that there are a number of exchanges going on.

[Chunky24]

Gloucester look a good team this year based on the twin pillars of three outstanding centres (Atkinson, Twelvetrees, Harris) and a deadly rolling maul. It’s a tough ask to go there and win - especially on the dreaded plastic.

Might be a game to start Fifita in the back row and really attack their line out to try to steal before the maul gets chance to be set up.

[westwaleswasp]

Yeah, I think like most teams we worry about teams with good mauls by accepting their possession and concentrating on repeling the drive, rather than disrupting in the air. It never seems to work, but that is just a perception from the outside.  I would certainly like to see us try and compete once in a while and stack our lineout with jumpers. That said, if the tactic worked I guess we would see it more often.

[Sliminator]

At least compared to last time we will have Launch', our Maul defense is significantly better with him in the team.

[DGP Wasp]

Yeah, I think like most teams we worry about teams with good mauls by accepting their possession and concentrating on repeling the drive, rather than disrupting in the air. It never seems to work, but that is just a perception from the outside.  I would certainly like to see us try and compete once in a while and stack our lineout with jumpers. That said, if the tactic worked I guess we would see it more often.

Received wisdom is that it puts the defending team at a disadvantage to put anyone up to compete in the air as it takes the jumper and lifters out of the maul defence set up as opposed to holding their position and having everyone ready to drive the ball carrier back as soon as his feet touch the ground.  But you're right, it rarely works, and the attacking team invariably have the upper hand regardless, so wouldn't hurt periodically to surprise an attacking team who are probably expecting to win an uncontested line out and try and nick it.  At least keep them guessing and put more pressure on the hooker.

[Chunky24]

Just thought I would bounce this thread so some of the posters on this thread can feel a little smug this morning about Fifita and line out defence in general.