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16
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Time to stand up!
« on: May 18, 2022, 09:19:15 PM »
2 games to go, two fixtures against high quality teams packed with talent and ability, equally led by coaches that are fantastic in themselves!
This is not an easy task.
Yet if our boys want to be taken seriously as professional individuals, importantly show strength as a team and even more so as a club heading towards sustained success and silverware in years to come this IS the moment to show it!
It starts Friday, our last game for the season at the CBS. Make a statement in front of our home support and take care of the Sharks who carry a bite worthy of any great white and that journey begins!
Then move to Leicester for the final game of the regular season with arguably the hardest of tests this year and make a statement.
Leicester may go on to lift the title this year, and if they do, no-one would begrudge them it, they have been class throughout! Powerful, aggressive and fully deserving to be crowned champions! They are back, and the league is all the better for it!
But for us, a victory at Welford road may be quickly forgotten by others, indeed as the pages turn over from the Sunday supplements, everyone who does not wear the black and gold will forget it quickly. But that matters not, because it will be remembered by us...and by "us" I mean the players, the coaches, the backroom staff, the employees and every one of the fans. There is a saying from Ireland "Team of Us". Its time we adopted the same! Every single one of us is a Wasp! 2 wins from the last 2 games will get us into the Heineken Cup, and even though others in the wider rugby community will rightly focus on the play-offs and final, we will remember the achievement of our lads as they dug deep and got us to the start of a brighter future!
Let everyone else focus on their teams success and let us focus on starting a journey that will lead to our own!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
This is not an easy task.
Yet if our boys want to be taken seriously as professional individuals, importantly show strength as a team and even more so as a club heading towards sustained success and silverware in years to come this IS the moment to show it!
It starts Friday, our last game for the season at the CBS. Make a statement in front of our home support and take care of the Sharks who carry a bite worthy of any great white and that journey begins!
Then move to Leicester for the final game of the regular season with arguably the hardest of tests this year and make a statement.
Leicester may go on to lift the title this year, and if they do, no-one would begrudge them it, they have been class throughout! Powerful, aggressive and fully deserving to be crowned champions! They are back, and the league is all the better for it!
But for us, a victory at Welford road may be quickly forgotten by others, indeed as the pages turn over from the Sunday supplements, everyone who does not wear the black and gold will forget it quickly. But that matters not, because it will be remembered by us...and by "us" I mean the players, the coaches, the backroom staff, the employees and every one of the fans. There is a saying from Ireland "Team of Us". Its time we adopted the same! Every single one of us is a Wasp! 2 wins from the last 2 games will get us into the Heineken Cup, and even though others in the wider rugby community will rightly focus on the play-offs and final, we will remember the achievement of our lads as they dug deep and got us to the start of a brighter future!
Let everyone else focus on their teams success and let us focus on starting a journey that will lead to our own!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
17
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Lyon v Wasps: Post Match Thoughts.
« on: May 14, 2022, 02:38:23 PM »
Team tried hard, but right result in the end.
Back division a growing problem.
Big games = narrower margins = mistakes magnified.
The boys gave it their collective all, however the right team won in the end. Lyon may have the larger budget but they took their chances, and left one or two out there as well. But the second forty showed what we need to do to make the next step up.
One big evolving problem though is our backs, and this is one for the coaches to own. We have lost precision and threat, and to my mind it comes down to a complete lack of clarity in selection and how they are set up. Fekitoa is out of form and our lack of a 15 has really exposed us. You cannot play 10s and wings at 15, with scrum halves on the wing without losing out. And the knock ons, lack of authority under the kicks, and poor defence in the wider channels are there for all to see. The passes off 9-10-12 lacked accuracy and consideration with knock on after knock on. Again today nothing looked smooth, everything looked forced, and there was no cohesive play or control, this again is a coaching issue and probably reflects a group of coaches not singing off the same hymn sheet. In contrast the forwards are making strides forward and look stronger than many a season before and that is to their credit.
Lee et al now have to bust a gut to get into the top 8. The coaching team have been together long enough to realise that another season without silverware should see their end. Wasps as a club need to recognise they are underperforming and with the facilities at their disposal that there are now no more excuses.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Back division a growing problem.
Big games = narrower margins = mistakes magnified.
The boys gave it their collective all, however the right team won in the end. Lyon may have the larger budget but they took their chances, and left one or two out there as well. But the second forty showed what we need to do to make the next step up.
One big evolving problem though is our backs, and this is one for the coaches to own. We have lost precision and threat, and to my mind it comes down to a complete lack of clarity in selection and how they are set up. Fekitoa is out of form and our lack of a 15 has really exposed us. You cannot play 10s and wings at 15, with scrum halves on the wing without losing out. And the knock ons, lack of authority under the kicks, and poor defence in the wider channels are there for all to see. The passes off 9-10-12 lacked accuracy and consideration with knock on after knock on. Again today nothing looked smooth, everything looked forced, and there was no cohesive play or control, this again is a coaching issue and probably reflects a group of coaches not singing off the same hymn sheet. In contrast the forwards are making strides forward and look stronger than many a season before and that is to their credit.
Lee et al now have to bust a gut to get into the top 8. The coaching team have been together long enough to realise that another season without silverware should see their end. Wasps as a club need to recognise they are underperforming and with the facilities at their disposal that there are now no more excuses.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
18
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Edinburgh v Wasps: Post Match Thoughts.
« on: May 07, 2022, 02:41:39 PM »
Scrapped the win.
Communication a problem.
Must get better.
Perhaps we should feel elated, but I simply feel a frustrated relief. We are a better team than that which we saw today. Full credit to Edinburgh they went full tilt into that, and had our backs in all kinds of trouble. Robbo had an absolute mare, but it was clear the whole backline were fragmented. Have the long term injuries and lack of time together? the playing of players out of position? Kibirige is not a full back Hougaard is good in attack as a wing but goes missing in defence. My suspicion is it is a combination but the lack of consistency in selection is not allowing for relationships to grow, and it shows. We also HAVE to start playing much more off 10, going off 9 is putting too much on Robbo, and may well be why his form is suffering. He is much better than he was today.
Full credit to the forwards though, we know we need to get more powerful in this area if we want to win silverware, and today they dragged us to a win and deserve the credit. However the whole team need to know the rules of the game more, Atkinsons first half charge down, going off feet when latched to the tackled player..it costs penalties, position and points. Sir Clive Woodward said it best TCUP....and if we want to move forward we need to evolve this far more. We were drawn into a scrap today, and if not for some fortuitous decisions in our favour from sir we may well be wishing Edinburgh luck rather than looking to Lyon v Glasgow to see who we are facing next weekend.
The coaches, well they have to show their worth now, in selection, in style, in plans, in leadership. We look fragmented to often, and the loss of direction in the first 40 showed a team unsure of what they should be doing. Lee et al need to take us forward beyond this, and the win should not hide the weaknesses and work ons we have.
If we want to win this, we need to be far far better than today, compare and contrast with Saracens last night, whatever you think of them as a club, that was a performance we need to aspire to. If we want silverware, we want to be back at the top consistently, we need to be honest with ourselves and recognise how far we need to go.
But the lads deserve credit, they dogged out a win when not playing well, and need to build on this. Perhaps the best of today is that we get to go again in a semi final of a European competition...and that should never be sniffed at.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Communication a problem.
Must get better.
Perhaps we should feel elated, but I simply feel a frustrated relief. We are a better team than that which we saw today. Full credit to Edinburgh they went full tilt into that, and had our backs in all kinds of trouble. Robbo had an absolute mare, but it was clear the whole backline were fragmented. Have the long term injuries and lack of time together? the playing of players out of position? Kibirige is not a full back Hougaard is good in attack as a wing but goes missing in defence. My suspicion is it is a combination but the lack of consistency in selection is not allowing for relationships to grow, and it shows. We also HAVE to start playing much more off 10, going off 9 is putting too much on Robbo, and may well be why his form is suffering. He is much better than he was today.
Full credit to the forwards though, we know we need to get more powerful in this area if we want to win silverware, and today they dragged us to a win and deserve the credit. However the whole team need to know the rules of the game more, Atkinsons first half charge down, going off feet when latched to the tackled player..it costs penalties, position and points. Sir Clive Woodward said it best TCUP....and if we want to move forward we need to evolve this far more. We were drawn into a scrap today, and if not for some fortuitous decisions in our favour from sir we may well be wishing Edinburgh luck rather than looking to Lyon v Glasgow to see who we are facing next weekend.
The coaches, well they have to show their worth now, in selection, in style, in plans, in leadership. We look fragmented to often, and the loss of direction in the first 40 showed a team unsure of what they should be doing. Lee et al need to take us forward beyond this, and the win should not hide the weaknesses and work ons we have.
If we want to win this, we need to be far far better than today, compare and contrast with Saracens last night, whatever you think of them as a club, that was a performance we need to aspire to. If we want silverware, we want to be back at the top consistently, we need to be honest with ourselves and recognise how far we need to go.
But the lads deserve credit, they dogged out a win when not playing well, and need to build on this. Perhaps the best of today is that we get to go again in a semi final of a European competition...and that should never be sniffed at.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
19
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Its time to get angry!
« on: May 01, 2022, 09:55:25 PM »
Do you know what....it really is time to get angry! Today was an abomination! No self respecting team should ship a 25 point lead at any stage or level, but equally no team that wants to win things should accept what happened today and give out the " we will learn" excuse out once again.
Frankly I have had enough!
I remember the parker pen victory, I remember the team in black and gold go to Munsters HQ and win against the odds. I remember the blitz defence. I remember Varndell not giving up and saving us from oblivion, I remember our DOR paying for tape when the coffers were empty, I remember a captain in LOL and his team that everyone followed to the ends of the earth.....and importantly they won!
Perhaps this generation needs to realise quite what a huge club and legend they play for! And perhaps they also need to realise that nothing comes without committing absolutely everything!
"Once a Wasp" is not a simple term, it defines us all, from the fan to the chairman! It is something so special & unique.
Perhaps after today if anyone in this squad is not 100% committed to this then they can walk away now, because we do not have time for anything less! This may be a team of waifs and strays, but it is one that carries an identity so deep that anything less than total commitment is not enough, and insults those that have worn/currently wear/and will wear the black and gold!
So to all our players, if you really understand how privileged you are to play for us, we will support you to the hilt. If you are not committed, you are not good enough. It may sound callous, but this club, this support, this "us" deserves more! either ship up or ship out! The choice is yours!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Frankly I have had enough!
I remember the parker pen victory, I remember the team in black and gold go to Munsters HQ and win against the odds. I remember the blitz defence. I remember Varndell not giving up and saving us from oblivion, I remember our DOR paying for tape when the coffers were empty, I remember a captain in LOL and his team that everyone followed to the ends of the earth.....and importantly they won!
Perhaps this generation needs to realise quite what a huge club and legend they play for! And perhaps they also need to realise that nothing comes without committing absolutely everything!
"Once a Wasp" is not a simple term, it defines us all, from the fan to the chairman! It is something so special & unique.
Perhaps after today if anyone in this squad is not 100% committed to this then they can walk away now, because we do not have time for anything less! This may be a team of waifs and strays, but it is one that carries an identity so deep that anything less than total commitment is not enough, and insults those that have worn/currently wear/and will wear the black and gold!
So to all our players, if you really understand how privileged you are to play for us, we will support you to the hilt. If you are not committed, you are not good enough. It may sound callous, but this club, this support, this "us" deserves more! either ship up or ship out! The choice is yours!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
20
Wasps Rugby Discussion / London Irish v Wasps: Post Match Thoughts
« on: May 01, 2022, 05:01:46 PM »
Only ourselves to blame.
Good job top 8 go into the Heineken Cup.
Irish deserve the draw, we were lucky to get a draw.
To go 25 points into the lead and then let it all go by shipping 28 points in the final quarter is absolutely criminal, you cannot hide from that, I mean this as no disservice to Irish who went the whole 80 and more, but that was amateur from our lads to throw that away. As the bench came on the levels of performance palpably dropped, from control we were lost intensity, the scrum failed, the wide channels became wide open, the defensive intensity went AWOL. You cannot begrudge the final result as, frankly, we got exactly what we deserved.
Was it complacency? was it a collective turning off of brains? No game is ever over, but to snatch a draw from victory is shameful. Top 6 is exceptionally unlikely now and we are going to have to go all out to get in the Heineken cup. For the last few games the first 20 of the second half we lost our way, and then clawed it back, today we moved it to the final 20 and there is no way to respond to that.
This game is going to be needed to serve as a rocket to the team as a whole, and especially the bench players. The bench should ADD to a performance not cause the opposite. If we harbour any hopes of winning the Challenge cup then we can NEVER allow these 20 minute periods to happen, NEVER allow performance and intensity to drop like it did as the bench came on, and NEVER give up a 25 point lead EVER again!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Good job top 8 go into the Heineken Cup.
Irish deserve the draw, we were lucky to get a draw.
To go 25 points into the lead and then let it all go by shipping 28 points in the final quarter is absolutely criminal, you cannot hide from that, I mean this as no disservice to Irish who went the whole 80 and more, but that was amateur from our lads to throw that away. As the bench came on the levels of performance palpably dropped, from control we were lost intensity, the scrum failed, the wide channels became wide open, the defensive intensity went AWOL. You cannot begrudge the final result as, frankly, we got exactly what we deserved.
Was it complacency? was it a collective turning off of brains? No game is ever over, but to snatch a draw from victory is shameful. Top 6 is exceptionally unlikely now and we are going to have to go all out to get in the Heineken cup. For the last few games the first 20 of the second half we lost our way, and then clawed it back, today we moved it to the final 20 and there is no way to respond to that.
This game is going to be needed to serve as a rocket to the team as a whole, and especially the bench players. The bench should ADD to a performance not cause the opposite. If we harbour any hopes of winning the Challenge cup then we can NEVER allow these 20 minute periods to happen, NEVER allow performance and intensity to drop like it did as the bench came on, and NEVER give up a 25 point lead EVER again!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
21
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: April 23, 2022, 06:17:48 AM »
Good morning all Waspies from a grey old Guildford! As usual despite another manic week in the working world - which I am sure will eventually lead me to residing in a padded room, which is all good as long as the TV in there shows rugby and cold beer will be on offer - we find ourselves awaking to that wonderful Saturday feeling with excited anticipation of our lads taking on Warriors at the CBS.
Lee has spoken about making the CBS a fortress, well today is a chance to prove it. Worcester are struggling in the league, but as easy as it is to feel confident about a win, given that any team can beat another on the day it is by no means a certainty. Worcester will be getting a harder edge under Diamond, and we will need a full performance to put them away. A win, and 5 points are essential today.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
Lee has spoken about making the CBS a fortress, well today is a chance to prove it. Worcester are struggling in the league, but as easy as it is to feel confident about a win, given that any team can beat another on the day it is by no means a certainty. Worcester will be getting a harder edge under Diamond, and we will need a full performance to put them away. A win, and 5 points are essential today.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
22
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Biarritz v Wasps: Post Match Thoughts.
« on: April 15, 2022, 07:58:29 PM »
Forwards win you games, Alfie decides by how much
The wait for a 80 minute performance continues
Last 8 here we come.
We got there, it was far closer than it probably should of been given the first 40, but that old adage of Forwards winning was proved correct as our maul turned the screw in the last 10 and took the game away from Biarritz after their spirited second forty. Lee et al are going to have to work out how to get a 80 minute performance out of the team, and not only for one match but much more consistently. In the first forty we were all over Biarritz, dominating the set piece, gain line, and playing at pace with ball in hand. We showed in that first half what we are capable of. However in the second half a combination of a much better performance from the men from the Basque and us dropping off in intensity made that a squeaky bum last 10. However we managed to get over the line and the quarters awaits!
Well done boys!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
The wait for a 80 minute performance continues
Last 8 here we come.
We got there, it was far closer than it probably should of been given the first 40, but that old adage of Forwards winning was proved correct as our maul turned the screw in the last 10 and took the game away from Biarritz after their spirited second forty. Lee et al are going to have to work out how to get a 80 minute performance out of the team, and not only for one match but much more consistently. In the first forty we were all over Biarritz, dominating the set piece, gain line, and playing at pace with ball in hand. We showed in that first half what we are capable of. However in the second half a combination of a much better performance from the men from the Basque and us dropping off in intensity made that a squeaky bum last 10. However we managed to get over the line and the quarters awaits!
Well done boys!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
23
Wasps Rugby Discussion / 8th place.
« on: April 02, 2022, 06:21:40 PM »
IMHO it is now between us and Irish for the last Champions cup qualifying spot for next season. Looking at the run in we see the following:
Wasps: London Irish:
H v Harlequins
H v Worcester A v Newcastle
A v Irish H v Wasps
H v Sale A v Bath
A v Leicester Season complete.
Hopefully Quins will do us a favour, but looking at the run in I think Irish have the marginally easier fixtures, yet equally we will know exactly what is needed for the last round as that is Irish's second bye week. What is clear is that the game between the 2 of us will be hugely important as the Champions cup is where we both need to be! This will be a game where we need to get as many of us Waspies to the Brentford community stadium as possible!
Wasps: London Irish:
H v Harlequins
H v Worcester A v Newcastle
A v Irish H v Wasps
H v Sale A v Bath
A v Leicester Season complete.
Hopefully Quins will do us a favour, but looking at the run in I think Irish have the marginally easier fixtures, yet equally we will know exactly what is needed for the last round as that is Irish's second bye week. What is clear is that the game between the 2 of us will be hugely important as the Champions cup is where we both need to be! This will be a game where we need to get as many of us Waspies to the Brentford community stadium as possible!
24
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Gloucester v Wasps: Post Match Thoughts.
« on: April 02, 2022, 05:07:57 PM »
Great escape!
A win on the road is never to be sniffed at!
Is Dobby our new drop kick specialist?
What a win! Built on determination and keeps us in the hunt for a top 8 finish. Brave at the end to compete against a 5 metre attacking line out, very much a s##t or bust moment and luckily it fell our side. However we were not without our problems once again. We were turned over with frightening regularity, and to concede nigh on 20 penalties on many other days should of seen us dead and buried (although that is testament to our effort to get a win despite this). Defence was in and out throughout but did enough. Some players need to improve, West got a bit of a lesson today. Atkinson needs to be more decisive and Frosty's loss of discipline could of cost us. To say it will be a long review session is an understatement and the lads need to be smarter on the rules and tighter on their discipline. When the dust settles they need to know more is expected and higher standards need obtaining if we really want to finish top 8, have a run in the challenge cup and push on for titles domestically and in Europe next season.
But the above is for Mondays review, tonight is all about celebrating the win, realising we have got the away form monkey off our collective backs, sing our hearts out and enjoy a beer or 3!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
A win on the road is never to be sniffed at!
Is Dobby our new drop kick specialist?
What a win! Built on determination and keeps us in the hunt for a top 8 finish. Brave at the end to compete against a 5 metre attacking line out, very much a s##t or bust moment and luckily it fell our side. However we were not without our problems once again. We were turned over with frightening regularity, and to concede nigh on 20 penalties on many other days should of seen us dead and buried (although that is testament to our effort to get a win despite this). Defence was in and out throughout but did enough. Some players need to improve, West got a bit of a lesson today. Atkinson needs to be more decisive and Frosty's loss of discipline could of cost us. To say it will be a long review session is an understatement and the lads need to be smarter on the rules and tighter on their discipline. When the dust settles they need to know more is expected and higher standards need obtaining if we really want to finish top 8, have a run in the challenge cup and push on for titles domestically and in Europe next season.
But the above is for Mondays review, tonight is all about celebrating the win, realising we have got the away form monkey off our collective backs, sing our hearts out and enjoy a beer or 3!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
25
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps v Newcastle: Post Match Thoughts.
« on: March 26, 2022, 05:05:27 PM »
A win is a win
Could of used the bonus point
In the shout for 8th.
First things first, well done Falcons, played with determination, and until the benches came on had us in trouble at the set piece, and certainly level pegging in the battle of the gain line. They were good value for their lead at half time. We looked more controlled than I have seen in recent games and certainly more organised. The structured part of the game looked better and as the game started to break down we got stronger.
Importantly we are still in with a chance to getting into the top 8, but that lost bonus point may be vital. However with Games against Sale, Tigers, Glous and Irish, and where we are with our general play and away form it is a tough run in! We have to start winning on the road to stand a chance of Heineken Cup Rugby next season!
Good effort though today lads, onwards and upwards (I hope)
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Could of used the bonus point
In the shout for 8th.
First things first, well done Falcons, played with determination, and until the benches came on had us in trouble at the set piece, and certainly level pegging in the battle of the gain line. They were good value for their lead at half time. We looked more controlled than I have seen in recent games and certainly more organised. The structured part of the game looked better and as the game started to break down we got stronger.
Importantly we are still in with a chance to getting into the top 8, but that lost bonus point may be vital. However with Games against Sale, Tigers, Glous and Irish, and where we are with our general play and away form it is a tough run in! We have to start winning on the road to stand a chance of Heineken Cup Rugby next season!
Good effort though today lads, onwards and upwards (I hope)
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
26
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: March 26, 2022, 06:58:03 AM »
Good morning from a truly spring like Guildford. Hazy sunshine is present and coffee is about to be started. A few chores to do today before settling in for us against Falcons.
Although quietly confident about today’s game I am still concerned about our performance. This is no easy run in and non negotiable’s now if we want to get into Europe next year must be 5 point home wins. Add to this we need to see 80 minute performances and consistency from the boys.
Let’s hope it’s a win and the start of a run that leaves us top 8 come seasons end!
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Although quietly confident about today’s game I am still concerned about our performance. This is no easy run in and non negotiable’s now if we want to get into Europe next year must be 5 point home wins. Add to this we need to see 80 minute performances and consistency from the boys.
Let’s hope it’s a win and the start of a run that leaves us top 8 come seasons end!
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
27
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Northampton Saints v Wasps: Post match thoughts.
« on: March 13, 2022, 05:03:52 PM »
Not good enough.
Not good enough.
Not good enough.
First up, well done Saints, no win since January, low on confidence and form, but still great value for their win. We on the other hand. I guess lets start off with the positives, the first 10 minutes and Porter....and that's about it.
I am going to be really brutal, because frankly this team has no excuses now. We have now got a team and resources available to us that should be creating better than this. Yet look to the lack of game control, look at the inaccuracies -the unforced errors, the knock ons, poor passing, silly penalties -, look at a complete paucity of any style of game plan, look at an inability to put a 80 minute game together. We started well, went 10 - 0 up and then conceded 19 unanswered points and 3 tries. We were left chasing a game (again). We are now still with one win away from home since October 2021 and we are getting closer to May 2022, that is inexcusable and shameful.
We are away to Gloucester, Irish and Tigers, does anyone really think we will win any of these? I certainly cannot see a win. Chances are Sale will turn us over at home as they are playing far better. So we are left with a shout against Newcastle and Worcester, and perhaps thats the biggest indictment of where we currently are, a bottom 4 club.
Chris
Once a Wasps ALWAYS a Wasp.
Not good enough.
Not good enough.
First up, well done Saints, no win since January, low on confidence and form, but still great value for their win. We on the other hand. I guess lets start off with the positives, the first 10 minutes and Porter....and that's about it.
I am going to be really brutal, because frankly this team has no excuses now. We have now got a team and resources available to us that should be creating better than this. Yet look to the lack of game control, look at the inaccuracies -the unforced errors, the knock ons, poor passing, silly penalties -, look at a complete paucity of any style of game plan, look at an inability to put a 80 minute game together. We started well, went 10 - 0 up and then conceded 19 unanswered points and 3 tries. We were left chasing a game (again). We are now still with one win away from home since October 2021 and we are getting closer to May 2022, that is inexcusable and shameful.
We are away to Gloucester, Irish and Tigers, does anyone really think we will win any of these? I certainly cannot see a win. Chances are Sale will turn us over at home as they are playing far better. So we are left with a shout against Newcastle and Worcester, and perhaps thats the biggest indictment of where we currently are, a bottom 4 club.
Chris
Once a Wasps ALWAYS a Wasp.
28
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Final league position
« on: March 05, 2022, 09:35:51 AM »
Get your predictions in.
7 rounds left, 4 away to;
Northampton
Gloucester
Irish
Tigers.
With 3 remaining home games against;
Newcastle
Worcester
Sale.
For me 2 rounds ago I had firm hopes top 6 and rugby champions cup rugby next season, admittedly due to our get out of jail free wins we managed. But our abysmal away form, lack of game control and ability to put in a 80 minute performance is now starting to hurt us as we reach the final part of the season.
Too many of our final opponents are playing better than us and I can only see 2 maybe 3 wins for us for the rest of the season. The team and the performances are just not there.
I would of loved Champions cup rugby next year, but realistically Challenge cup is more likely, and for me 9th will be our final placing.
Thoughts?
7 rounds left, 4 away to;
Northampton
Gloucester
Irish
Tigers.
With 3 remaining home games against;
Newcastle
Worcester
Sale.
For me 2 rounds ago I had firm hopes top 6 and rugby champions cup rugby next season, admittedly due to our get out of jail free wins we managed. But our abysmal away form, lack of game control and ability to put in a 80 minute performance is now starting to hurt us as we reach the final part of the season.
Too many of our final opponents are playing better than us and I can only see 2 maybe 3 wins for us for the rest of the season. The team and the performances are just not there.
I would of loved Champions cup rugby next year, but realistically Challenge cup is more likely, and for me 9th will be our final placing.
Thoughts?
29
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Top 6 still possible?
« on: February 26, 2022, 08:32:17 AM »
I’m not sure.
For the club to continue to grow champions cup rugby is hugely important, not only in attracting and retaining players, but also commercially through gate attendances, sponsorship, tv exposure and increased revenue.
I must admit even with our short return to the top 6 2 rounds previously Our performances were not filling me with confidence. Wins dragged out of defeat can show spirit, but if you do not build upon it and grow your game then their value rapidly declines to irrelevance as we have observed.
Injuries were a reasonable assessment to justify our form in the first half of the season. But it is worrying that neither the coaches nor the players are able to put a 80 minute performance together. Currently as sure as the sun rises our team will either lose discipline, intensity, accuracy and control in a match, sometimes all at the same time, and sometimes for extended periods.
Certainly our midfield needs time to bed in, but we need our 2 tens Jacob and Charlie playing at 10 all the time, with one benching when the other starts. Jacob is doing a fine job at 15, but Eddie Jones assertion that anyone can play anywhere is folly to any of us who have played the game. Each position has certain attributes and nuances that when mastered makes you a top player, but if not fully grasped can make you vulnerable. Jacob is best at 10, and every game out of position is a step in development lost.
Our front 5 are once more struggling, Biyi is full of potential, however against Marler last week and Bristol this week he has been shown how far he has to go. However West had a night to forget last night. Gabi still has much development to undertake, but his game looks chaotic, he is eager, but just watching him so much energy seems to be going in the wrong direction. If we can get him focused on running straight lines, carrying hard, knowing when to offload and when to take the tackle and set up quick ruck ball then he will start flying forward in ability. Currently he reminds me of the child in the playground who runs around everywhere haphazardly with so much energy, but doesn’t really do anything with it.
Turnovers are also a problem. Young Young even before his injury had gone off the boil for a while in this area. Jack is still early from returning to the game and will need time to develop that part once more. But overall no one is mastering this area. We get a couple now and then, but to often we don’t get in a position to turn over, and more recently are struggling to slow the oppositions ruck speed. From here we lose the gain line. It was a worse problem last season, but it is still an area where we are not competitive enough.
Defence speed as also slipped. At the start of the season our line speed and tackling was persistent throughout the game. Last night was a demonstration of where we currently are. It is there in fits and starts, but too often goes missing and we end up in our own 22 and conceding points. In rugby there are two non negotiable, defence and set piece strength. Get those and you can build everything else around it. We do not have those building blocks in place. They are there, but rather than being foundations dug deep into our playing psyche, they are like Lego bricks, they can be in place temporarily, but it only takes someone with a strong thumb to flip them over when desired.
We are lauded for our attacking threat. But our ‘tries of the week’ contenders masks a ongoing problem, and that is we are always trying for the unstructured. The problem is we have not mastered the structured part. Unstructured moments do occur from long ball in play time, or later when fatigue starts to develop. But the majority of the 80 minutes is structured, with defensive lines set, set piece play invaluable and attacking based upon plans and phases. If you do not compete in the structured then there is little point waiting for the unstructured as more often than not you will lose. I am reminded of England 2001-2003. For many test matches the first 40-60 minutes were close. Sometimes we were ahead, sometime behind. But Woodward’s art was creating a game plan which everyone bought into. In the structured part of the game we either were ahead or only just behind. Thus when the unstructured part arrived with fatigue, substitutions, injuries we capitalised. The work was already done to put us in a winning position and we took those opportunities. Last night for us was a case in point. We lost the structured part heavily, sitting 28-7 behind. And even though we won the unstructured 12-3 it was to little to late. We had not earned the right to win because we are not good enough as a structured team.
Perhaps where we are evolving is a core leadership group. There are players in Launch, Robbo and Shields that can lead and guide a team. We have though to enlarge this group. Players like Gaskell, Stooke, The Willis brothers, Jacob and Charlie, West, Cruise need to become key lieutenants and leaders in their own right. You need a leadership team large enough to have at least 1-2 always on the field to guide the larger squad. There are moments I can see that, but the true evolution of this will only be apparent if we start winning as that will be a direct reflection on this part strengthening.
Lee HAS to find a starting XV consistently who can play together and develop trust and relationships. He has to have a bench that will lift standards and a wider squad who know how we want to play the game and slot in when needed. If you do this standards rise, consistency in performance evolves, games are won more regularly and chances for trophies and titles occur. People criticise Exeter, but Baxter is a phenomenal coach. His game plan may be narrow, but it has won titles and trophies. 6 finals in a row is mightily impressive. And to knock his style is to underestimate how good he is. He gets a team playing from the same hymn sheet. It did not need big names, it needed the ability to recognise good players who work in harmony and are stronger than the sum of their parts. One player went off another slotted in seamlessly. That takes skill to develop, and Lee and our coaches have yet to find that.
Where we have a wonderful opportunity to achieve the above is in facilities. This club wants for nothing now in regards to stadia and training facilities. Our management have provided such wonderful world class infrastructure that no coaches, support staff such as S&C or medical, or the players have any excuses not to achieve at the highest level. Indeed when the facilities are this good you can remove excuses and start to sort the wheat from the chaff.
We all would love to see Wasps lifting trophies again, but we have a long way to go based on our performances as noted above. I would love to be proved wrong, but with our away form and the above top 6 is a long shot at best, and unless we see a change we will be somewhere between 8th-10th come seasons end.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
For the club to continue to grow champions cup rugby is hugely important, not only in attracting and retaining players, but also commercially through gate attendances, sponsorship, tv exposure and increased revenue.
I must admit even with our short return to the top 6 2 rounds previously Our performances were not filling me with confidence. Wins dragged out of defeat can show spirit, but if you do not build upon it and grow your game then their value rapidly declines to irrelevance as we have observed.
Injuries were a reasonable assessment to justify our form in the first half of the season. But it is worrying that neither the coaches nor the players are able to put a 80 minute performance together. Currently as sure as the sun rises our team will either lose discipline, intensity, accuracy and control in a match, sometimes all at the same time, and sometimes for extended periods.
Certainly our midfield needs time to bed in, but we need our 2 tens Jacob and Charlie playing at 10 all the time, with one benching when the other starts. Jacob is doing a fine job at 15, but Eddie Jones assertion that anyone can play anywhere is folly to any of us who have played the game. Each position has certain attributes and nuances that when mastered makes you a top player, but if not fully grasped can make you vulnerable. Jacob is best at 10, and every game out of position is a step in development lost.
Our front 5 are once more struggling, Biyi is full of potential, however against Marler last week and Bristol this week he has been shown how far he has to go. However West had a night to forget last night. Gabi still has much development to undertake, but his game looks chaotic, he is eager, but just watching him so much energy seems to be going in the wrong direction. If we can get him focused on running straight lines, carrying hard, knowing when to offload and when to take the tackle and set up quick ruck ball then he will start flying forward in ability. Currently he reminds me of the child in the playground who runs around everywhere haphazardly with so much energy, but doesn’t really do anything with it.
Turnovers are also a problem. Young Young even before his injury had gone off the boil for a while in this area. Jack is still early from returning to the game and will need time to develop that part once more. But overall no one is mastering this area. We get a couple now and then, but to often we don’t get in a position to turn over, and more recently are struggling to slow the oppositions ruck speed. From here we lose the gain line. It was a worse problem last season, but it is still an area where we are not competitive enough.
Defence speed as also slipped. At the start of the season our line speed and tackling was persistent throughout the game. Last night was a demonstration of where we currently are. It is there in fits and starts, but too often goes missing and we end up in our own 22 and conceding points. In rugby there are two non negotiable, defence and set piece strength. Get those and you can build everything else around it. We do not have those building blocks in place. They are there, but rather than being foundations dug deep into our playing psyche, they are like Lego bricks, they can be in place temporarily, but it only takes someone with a strong thumb to flip them over when desired.
We are lauded for our attacking threat. But our ‘tries of the week’ contenders masks a ongoing problem, and that is we are always trying for the unstructured. The problem is we have not mastered the structured part. Unstructured moments do occur from long ball in play time, or later when fatigue starts to develop. But the majority of the 80 minutes is structured, with defensive lines set, set piece play invaluable and attacking based upon plans and phases. If you do not compete in the structured then there is little point waiting for the unstructured as more often than not you will lose. I am reminded of England 2001-2003. For many test matches the first 40-60 minutes were close. Sometimes we were ahead, sometime behind. But Woodward’s art was creating a game plan which everyone bought into. In the structured part of the game we either were ahead or only just behind. Thus when the unstructured part arrived with fatigue, substitutions, injuries we capitalised. The work was already done to put us in a winning position and we took those opportunities. Last night for us was a case in point. We lost the structured part heavily, sitting 28-7 behind. And even though we won the unstructured 12-3 it was to little to late. We had not earned the right to win because we are not good enough as a structured team.
Perhaps where we are evolving is a core leadership group. There are players in Launch, Robbo and Shields that can lead and guide a team. We have though to enlarge this group. Players like Gaskell, Stooke, The Willis brothers, Jacob and Charlie, West, Cruise need to become key lieutenants and leaders in their own right. You need a leadership team large enough to have at least 1-2 always on the field to guide the larger squad. There are moments I can see that, but the true evolution of this will only be apparent if we start winning as that will be a direct reflection on this part strengthening.
Lee HAS to find a starting XV consistently who can play together and develop trust and relationships. He has to have a bench that will lift standards and a wider squad who know how we want to play the game and slot in when needed. If you do this standards rise, consistency in performance evolves, games are won more regularly and chances for trophies and titles occur. People criticise Exeter, but Baxter is a phenomenal coach. His game plan may be narrow, but it has won titles and trophies. 6 finals in a row is mightily impressive. And to knock his style is to underestimate how good he is. He gets a team playing from the same hymn sheet. It did not need big names, it needed the ability to recognise good players who work in harmony and are stronger than the sum of their parts. One player went off another slotted in seamlessly. That takes skill to develop, and Lee and our coaches have yet to find that.
Where we have a wonderful opportunity to achieve the above is in facilities. This club wants for nothing now in regards to stadia and training facilities. Our management have provided such wonderful world class infrastructure that no coaches, support staff such as S&C or medical, or the players have any excuses not to achieve at the highest level. Indeed when the facilities are this good you can remove excuses and start to sort the wheat from the chaff.
We all would love to see Wasps lifting trophies again, but we have a long way to go based on our performances as noted above. I would love to be proved wrong, but with our away form and the above top 6 is a long shot at best, and unless we see a change we will be somewhere between 8th-10th come seasons end.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
30
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Bristol v Wasps: Post Match Thoughts.
« on: February 25, 2022, 09:46:43 PM »
Beaten by the better team on the night
Lost the collisions.
Away form a big problem.
Everything looks too forced and too unnatural.
First off Bristol were well worth their victory, brilliant defensive effort with determination and forceful defence. When their chances came, they took them. Fully worthy of their win.
We ourselves got what we deserved, nothing. Where is that ferocity in defence that we started the season so well with? I think the problem still lies around not having a settled team for long enough, but does anyone else watch our team and feel uncomfortable. Rather than feel we are playing a game that is natural, flowing and understood by all the guys, we look stuttering and I find myself waiting for the next mistake to happen.
What also is proving our undoing this season is we simply are unable to put an 80 minute performance, it’s just not there and does not look like happening anytime soon. Until we do that then we will struggle to make top 6 let alone consider competing for silverware.
Much work to be done.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Lost the collisions.
Away form a big problem.
Everything looks too forced and too unnatural.
First off Bristol were well worth their victory, brilliant defensive effort with determination and forceful defence. When their chances came, they took them. Fully worthy of their win.
We ourselves got what we deserved, nothing. Where is that ferocity in defence that we started the season so well with? I think the problem still lies around not having a settled team for long enough, but does anyone else watch our team and feel uncomfortable. Rather than feel we are playing a game that is natural, flowing and understood by all the guys, we look stuttering and I find myself waiting for the next mistake to happen.
What also is proving our undoing this season is we simply are unable to put an 80 minute performance, it’s just not there and does not look like happening anytime soon. Until we do that then we will struggle to make top 6 let alone consider competing for silverware.
Much work to be done.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.