Injury Update -Matteo Minozzi and Brad Shields

[Rossm]

From Bobby Bridge.

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/rugby/wasps-reveal-matteo-minozzi-brad-25017238

Some good news though. At least 6 could return to face Bristol Bears.

[Neils]

Shame forbade and Matteo but good news on the rest. Selection headaches.

[Covkid40]

Thought Crossdale did well when he came on. Was surprised just how quick he was when he nearly chased down Rees Zammit. Would play Paulo and Josh on the wings and leave the rest of the back as was against Glou. West starts over Hislop and Jack for Brad with Nemo on the bench the rest that same as Gloucester

[Steve from Cov]

Thought Crossdale did well when he came on. Was surprised just how quick he was when he nearly chased down Rees Zammit. Would play Paulo and Josh on the wings and leave the rest of the back as was against Glou. West starts over Hislop and Jack for Brad with Nemo on the bench the rest that same as Gloucester

+1. And put Tim Cardall and Jacob/Will H-W (as a second goal kicking option) on the bench.

[Shugs]

Six weeks re Shields is a huge blow. But great to have West back. Given this I’d go in with
West Cruse Ryan
Launchbury McDonald
Willis J (assuming dispensation) Willis T Carr
Robson
    Atkinson
        Odendaal
             Spink
Bassett Crossdale Odogwu

Bench
Hislop
Oghre
Alo
Cardall
Barbeary
Porter
Mills
Hougaard

[backdoc]

I would be a bit contrary and start with Hislop, Oghre and Alo. Save West, Cruise and Ryan for the last 30 mins.
Launchbury and McD fine
Willis Barbeary Willis
Robson Atkinson Bassett Odendaal Spink Hougaard Crossdale.

Bench: Porter, Mills, Umaga, Cardell, Carr, West, Cruise, Ryan.

[Westy68]

For me I would like to see

West, Oghre, Ryan
Launchbury McDonald
Tom, Alfie, Jack
Robson
      Atkinson
         Odendaal
                  Odogwu

Bassett, Crossdale, Hougaard

Bench
Hislop
Cruise
Alo
Cardall
Carr
Porter
Mills
Umaga

[mike909]

Six weeks re Shields is a huge blow. But great to have West back. Given this I’d go in with
West Cruse Ryan
Launchbury McDonald
Willis J (assuming dispensation) Willis T Carr
Robson
    Atkinson
        Odendaal
             Spink
Bassett Crossdale Odogwu

Bench
Hislop
Oghre
Alo
Cardall
Barbeary
Porter
Mills
Hougaard

I'd be fine with this or v similar. I do think as others might have said - we have a problem with Alfie in that he probably isn't a starter in our best backrow and probably third best (trad?) number 8. Being a real hybrid player though, you do want him on the pitch....I'm glad it's not my decision....

I would be happier if Dan stayed on the pitch rather longer this time and that he looked to lead on tactical choices. Even if the game goes well - we're going to have period where the opposition will get into the game and there's a need to be more conservative (with a small c) or to break up play. Dan has the experience and rugby intelligence to take those decision perhaps in combination with the 10 and 12 as his eyes and ears. Hougaard could be vital too - to provide some experience, experience of playing for Wasps and again, some leadership.

If Paolo is fit then we do have the muscle and we need to look how we can use that to give Bassett and Crossdale just a hint of space to run into. We will be better from 9 across to 13 as this will only be game two and the basics will feel easier too.

[BlackAndGoldSunglasses]

For me I would like to see

West, Oghre, Ryan
Launchbury McDonald
Tom, Alfie, Jack
Robson
      Atkinson
         Odendaal
                  Odogwu

Bassett, Crossdale, Hougaard

Bench
Hislop
Cruise
Alo
Cardall
Carr
Porter
Mills
Umaga

Lot of good in there, but I'm intrigued what Spink did (or didn't do) which makes you feel he should be out of the 23 entirely?

[Peej]

Gutting for Matteo, but it could have been worse. Brad is a real loss that we will feel. We just aren't as good when he isn't in the side.

No point having Mills and Umaga on the bench, in my book. Two players that cover similar positions. Hougaard and Odogwu won't be very sharp. I'd keep Spink, he doesn't need to be told to catch the bloody ball this week.

I wouldn't start Alfie but think Lee will. I think the team will be:

Hislop
Cruse
Ryan
Launch
McDonald
Tom
Jack
Alfie

Dan
Charlie
Josh
Burger
Sam
Zach
Ali

Gabby
Tom
Biyi
Cardall
Carr
Porter
Mills
Paolo

[BlackAndGoldSunglasses]

Officials for the game:

"Karl Dickson will be the man in charge.
Dickson will be flanked by assistants George Selwood and James Clarke alongside TMO Rowan Kitt."

[Neils]

Oh dear

[Westy68]

For me I would like to see

West, Oghre, Ryan
Launchbury McDonald
Tom, Alfie, Jack
Robson
      Atkinson
         Odendaal
                  Odogwu

Bassett, Crossdale, Hougaard

Bench
Hislop
Cruise
Alo
Cardall
Carr
Porter
Mills
Umaga

Lot of good in there, but I'm intrigued what Spink did (or didn't do) which makes you feel he should be out of the 23 entirely?

I thought Sam was very poor on Sunday and dropping the ball the way he did for Rees-Zammits try was really bad, it was a perfectly good pass from Dan at waist height. Paolo's best position is 13 and I would like to see Paolo get back to the form he got to when picked for England. I then just don't see the point of having him on the bench

[Shugs]

As dynamic as Odogwu is at 13 I think he’s got a lot of improving to do defensively. For me Spink is growing really nicely into the role and should start.

[Westy68]

Shugs growing nicely doing what? I really don't mind Spink he has been relatively solid but I like my 13 to be a great attacking threat, bursting through the gain line making well timed runs. I'm just not seeing that from him in the last few games, he has been fairly quiet.

He is only young and I'm sure will improve but I'm sorry i can't remember the last game where I thought he was one of our top 5 players. I'm only going on what Paolo did before his injury, where he was a real threat, he may play and have a stinker. Spink needs to start improving or I can see him losing his place.