A game of two halves.
A first 40 to remember, a second forty to never forget.
New season, same mental fragility remains.
First up, well done Gloucester, were under the pump throughout that first forty, whist we looked accurate, precise and deserved our first half lead. However Gloucester absolutely spun the momentum in the second forty. Rees Zammits pitch length try was a fantastic sprint. But it was how they took the momentum, kept it and turned the screw. We shipped points, then penalties and cards. It was a rugby lesson, and the fact our shape, discipline and strength evaporated is simply due to Gloucester being better.
Despite it being a new season old problems remain. When we go off the boil we go off spectacularly. No professional team should be giving up these size leads and expect to be top 8, let alone pushing for Europe. Is it time to get the psychologists in because when momentum shifts we do not seem to have the leadership or ability to correct it.
As an aside though, as good as Gloucesters team are their supporters leave a lot to be desired. The shed did not lift them -so anyone stating otherwise needs to rewatch the game- It was Gloucester that roused them. It was quiet as a grave when they were losing, and boos were heard, and the "you dont know what you're doing" aimed at sir rang aplenty. Yet when they were winning the "same old Wasps always cheating" rang around on more than one occasion. This is the behaviour of football fans not rugby. It was as unpalatable and uncalled for & did their club a complete disservice. That however should not detract one second from their teams wonderful 2nd half performance and deserved win.
For us, there are glimmers there to be hopeful for. Certainly there were moments of play that can give us hope. Players like MacDonald, Atkinson, Ryan and Odedaal look hugely promising.
This one hurts but the result is the right one.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Always a Wasp
