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31
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: February 25, 2022, 06:56:28 AM »
Good morning from a rather pleasant Guildford. A day of work lies ahead, however thanks to the new streaming service and with our game against those from the Cardiff side of the bridge tomorrow, my excitement and anticipation levels are high, and I have not even had my breakfast yet.
Tonight’s game is a tough one to call, on paper both teams loos strong, however Lambs Bristol still flatter to deceive, and with our 1 win on the road since October + how we are failing to control a game for long periods, any result is possible tonight. Probably where Bristol will be strongest is where we are weakest at present, and that is in the 12-13 channels. Injuries and disruption aplenty has meant those relationships you need have still not been formed…and what better exponent of the game in Semi Radradra is there to take advantage of that. However if we can neutralise their forwards, disrupt there young and inexperienced 9-10 axis we have a chance.
We need this win though, if we want top 6 there are not enough home games left to rely on home form, points and victories on the road are essential.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
Tonight’s game is a tough one to call, on paper both teams loos strong, however Lambs Bristol still flatter to deceive, and with our 1 win on the road since October + how we are failing to control a game for long periods, any result is possible tonight. Probably where Bristol will be strongest is where we are weakest at present, and that is in the 12-13 channels. Injuries and disruption aplenty has meant those relationships you need have still not been formed…and what better exponent of the game in Semi Radradra is there to take advantage of that. However if we can neutralise their forwards, disrupt there young and inexperienced 9-10 axis we have a chance.
We need this win though, if we want top 6 there are not enough home games left to rely on home form, points and victories on the road are essential.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
32
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Watching online.
« on: February 19, 2022, 12:57:54 PM »
Last week I had a problem with vk as stated I could not watch for copyright (even with vpn on). Any tips? I am using an iPad and on the edge internet explorer for apple search engine.
33
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Exeter v Wasps: Post match thoughts.
« on: February 05, 2022, 04:32:38 PM »
Was unable to stream it
Did not see it
Cannot comment on it
Over to you all
Did not see it
Cannot comment on it
Over to you all
34
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps v Saracens: Post Match thoughts.
« on: January 30, 2022, 05:05:26 PM »
Looking upwards
Dogged determination
Maul needs a little work.
What a win, that was hard graft today, and proved that not only can we play fast and loose, but we can truck it up and make hard carries when we need to. Saracens are right up there with Tigers and Exeter has some of the most physical teams in the league. So far in this block of games we have gone 2 from 2 against them. This also brings me to my next thought, and that as I have said before, despite playing, coaching and living and breathing this game since the 80s I still have no idea of what will happen. I called this 5 game block as a likely 0-5 against us. Now we are 3 from 4 going into next weeks clash against a wounded Chiefs, which will be a titanic battle, but that is a thought for another day.
Tonight though is all about getting the pizzas and beers in, singing songs and enjoying the moment. For come Tuesday it will all begin again!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
Dogged determination
Maul needs a little work.
What a win, that was hard graft today, and proved that not only can we play fast and loose, but we can truck it up and make hard carries when we need to. Saracens are right up there with Tigers and Exeter has some of the most physical teams in the league. So far in this block of games we have gone 2 from 2 against them. This also brings me to my next thought, and that as I have said before, despite playing, coaching and living and breathing this game since the 80s I still have no idea of what will happen. I called this 5 game block as a likely 0-5 against us. Now we are 3 from 4 going into next weeks clash against a wounded Chiefs, which will be a titanic battle, but that is a thought for another day.
Tonight though is all about getting the pizzas and beers in, singing songs and enjoying the moment. For come Tuesday it will all begin again!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
35
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Munster v Wasps: Post Match Thoughts.
« on: January 23, 2022, 05:38:03 PM »
No intent no result.
Fitness more important
More Injury concerns.
Well done Munster. A good lesson on how to play rugby in the first 40. Fully deserved their win and their progress in the tournament.
For us....Well I am going to open this with what some may find a very controversial opinion. As someone who has played this game over 3 decades I recognise a training run when I see one, and that is what we saw today. It is not immediately obvious, and many people would think what they are witnessing is inaccuracy and lack of intensity, but the clues were there.
In rugby you need to keep a certain level of physicality as it is the very nature of the game, but you work at 95% rather than 100%. You do so in the hope that you get fitness in the legs, but at the same time working at a level where injuries do not occur (failed on that today). But look more closely. Look to Shields, a captain of experience. If we were going full bore to get through to the last 16 he would of been all over the ref with the tip tackle in the first half, constantly in his ear when Munster were slowing the game during their yellow card period trying to put into the refs head that they were time wasting? He would of been under the sticks passionately rallying the troops when a try is conceded. We saw nothing but a casual acceptance of what was happening. Beyond this, look to the team. When we were beating Tigers and taking it to Toulouse the team were talking, communicating, rallying and motivating. A turnover won, a penalty earnt would be celebrated like a winning try scored. We saw nothing like that at all. When we were 31-7 down there was no urgency, no desire to get back into the game. No subs bench screaming their team mates on. Why when Mills was pulled late on did Spink not start and Booj move in on the bench? Mills and Spink were starting ahead of him for a reason, you don't throw your 3rd choice into a starting birth when 2 others were considered ahead in the first place. Look at the coaches, a relaxation was visibly present that no coaching team would have if you are looking to qualify.
My thoughts are that with injuries, league position and what is ahead (Saracens and Exeter) we have bigger goals. There is no harm in having a go at the challenge cup, its been 14 years since we last lifted anything, and we stand more of a chance in the second tier competition than the first at the moment. Also we need to be pushing hard for a top 6 finish and Champions cup rugby next year, where hopefully we will be in a better position to push harder and compete. Injuries have dictated our season, and I think injuries decided how we approached today. And the reason I am so sanguine is that as much as i hate seeing us lose, I don't disagree with our goals if my thoughts were indeed the case.
As a finish lets hope YY is ok, that the injury is minor and the tests and treatment precautionary only!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
Fitness more important
More Injury concerns.
Well done Munster. A good lesson on how to play rugby in the first 40. Fully deserved their win and their progress in the tournament.
For us....Well I am going to open this with what some may find a very controversial opinion. As someone who has played this game over 3 decades I recognise a training run when I see one, and that is what we saw today. It is not immediately obvious, and many people would think what they are witnessing is inaccuracy and lack of intensity, but the clues were there.
In rugby you need to keep a certain level of physicality as it is the very nature of the game, but you work at 95% rather than 100%. You do so in the hope that you get fitness in the legs, but at the same time working at a level where injuries do not occur (failed on that today). But look more closely. Look to Shields, a captain of experience. If we were going full bore to get through to the last 16 he would of been all over the ref with the tip tackle in the first half, constantly in his ear when Munster were slowing the game during their yellow card period trying to put into the refs head that they were time wasting? He would of been under the sticks passionately rallying the troops when a try is conceded. We saw nothing but a casual acceptance of what was happening. Beyond this, look to the team. When we were beating Tigers and taking it to Toulouse the team were talking, communicating, rallying and motivating. A turnover won, a penalty earnt would be celebrated like a winning try scored. We saw nothing like that at all. When we were 31-7 down there was no urgency, no desire to get back into the game. No subs bench screaming their team mates on. Why when Mills was pulled late on did Spink not start and Booj move in on the bench? Mills and Spink were starting ahead of him for a reason, you don't throw your 3rd choice into a starting birth when 2 others were considered ahead in the first place. Look at the coaches, a relaxation was visibly present that no coaching team would have if you are looking to qualify.
My thoughts are that with injuries, league position and what is ahead (Saracens and Exeter) we have bigger goals. There is no harm in having a go at the challenge cup, its been 14 years since we last lifted anything, and we stand more of a chance in the second tier competition than the first at the moment. Also we need to be pushing hard for a top 6 finish and Champions cup rugby next year, where hopefully we will be in a better position to push harder and compete. Injuries have dictated our season, and I think injuries decided how we approached today. And the reason I am so sanguine is that as much as i hate seeing us lose, I don't disagree with our goals if my thoughts were indeed the case.
As a finish lets hope YY is ok, that the injury is minor and the tests and treatment precautionary only!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
36
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Should Grandstand come back?
« on: January 20, 2022, 06:02:41 PM »
Just sitting at work and reading about the return of the highlights and live games to terrestrial television, and the following entered my head.
Should grandstand - the staple weekend sports programme for decades - make its return?
With all the pay per view channels available it is easy to forget that not everyone can afford them. Indeed going behind paywalls has probably not done smaller sports any favours. All sports need access to the masses, and the mixture of sports that Grandstand showed gave much needed exposure. It gave everyone the opportunity to witness something that could lead to a lifelong passion not only in following and supporting, but also participating in. Football focus and final score still exist and can open and close as it always did. Live matches/events from many sports can be shown. And it would allow for weekly access to multiple sports for the whole country, rather than those with the money to spend on Sky/BT sports.
In a world where all sports need help this could be just the tonic? I would not mind seeing it back.
Should grandstand - the staple weekend sports programme for decades - make its return?
With all the pay per view channels available it is easy to forget that not everyone can afford them. Indeed going behind paywalls has probably not done smaller sports any favours. All sports need access to the masses, and the mixture of sports that Grandstand showed gave much needed exposure. It gave everyone the opportunity to witness something that could lead to a lifelong passion not only in following and supporting, but also participating in. Football focus and final score still exist and can open and close as it always did. Live matches/events from many sports can be shown. And it would allow for weekly access to multiple sports for the whole country, rather than those with the money to spend on Sky/BT sports.
In a world where all sports need help this could be just the tonic? I would not mind seeing it back.
37
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps v Toulouse: Post Match Thoughts.
« on: January 15, 2022, 03:32:36 PM »
Immense
Wasps are back
Alfie, Biyi AND THEM ALL, take a bow!
That was fantastic! Grit, physicality, determination and taking chances when they came. Some may miss the 4 try BP, however when we have had to manage all the challenges this season has thrown at us, come up against a star studded Toulouse and have to play 50 minutes with 14 men this is a result to cherish. We struggled in the scrum and maul on many occasions, yet equally we held the scrum or won the lineout at crucial times. It was a game of moments, winning turnovers, kicking penalties, forcing knock on's, slowing Toulouse at the ruck. All added up to a win...and what a important one for the growth of our team.
Let me discuss the Jacob red card. First things first, Jacob needs to work exceptionally hard on his tackling, he is forcing referees to make decisions due to how he sets and enters the tackle. The referee I will say actually had a overall good game. As Brad said in game to sir, it is a hard job they do. He is a young ref new to this level and he will learn. Overall I was impressed with how he let the game flow and how he communicated with both sides. Yet if the RFU disciplinary process follows the rules today Jacobs red will be reduced to a yellow. The reason is not about mitigation as heavily mentioned here and also with the pundits. It was the step before when deciding if it was a high degree of danger. IF high degree then it starts at red and then mitigation is applied to see if it can be reduced. But here is the rub. By the rules a high degree of danger needs to fulfil the following;
Signs indicating higher degree of danger:
Preparation
- Tackler draws the arm back prior to contact
- Tackler may leave the ground
- Arm swings forward prior to contact.
Contact
- Tackler is attempting an active/dominant tackle, as opposed to a passive/soak, or "pulling out" of contact.
- Tackler speed and/or acceleration into tackle is high rigid arm or elbow makes contact with ball carrier head as part of swinging motion.
Follow through
- Tackler completes the tackle (as opposed to immediate release/withdrawl).
As you can see above Jacob does not meet any of the above criteria for a high degree of danger, thus the pathway to follow was always to yellow card, and mitigation rules when following a high degree of danger never needed applying. Once the referees incorrectly followed the route, in my humble opinion there was never enough mitigation to take it down from a red. Thus you can see the decision was wrong and if processes are applied at the hearing it should be taken down to yellow. Any other option is to ignore their own guidance.
But lets not step away from the joy today. I just have this feeling we may finally be turning a corner!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Rugby by birth, Wasps by the grace of God.
Wasps are back
Alfie, Biyi AND THEM ALL, take a bow!
That was fantastic! Grit, physicality, determination and taking chances when they came. Some may miss the 4 try BP, however when we have had to manage all the challenges this season has thrown at us, come up against a star studded Toulouse and have to play 50 minutes with 14 men this is a result to cherish. We struggled in the scrum and maul on many occasions, yet equally we held the scrum or won the lineout at crucial times. It was a game of moments, winning turnovers, kicking penalties, forcing knock on's, slowing Toulouse at the ruck. All added up to a win...and what a important one for the growth of our team.
Let me discuss the Jacob red card. First things first, Jacob needs to work exceptionally hard on his tackling, he is forcing referees to make decisions due to how he sets and enters the tackle. The referee I will say actually had a overall good game. As Brad said in game to sir, it is a hard job they do. He is a young ref new to this level and he will learn. Overall I was impressed with how he let the game flow and how he communicated with both sides. Yet if the RFU disciplinary process follows the rules today Jacobs red will be reduced to a yellow. The reason is not about mitigation as heavily mentioned here and also with the pundits. It was the step before when deciding if it was a high degree of danger. IF high degree then it starts at red and then mitigation is applied to see if it can be reduced. But here is the rub. By the rules a high degree of danger needs to fulfil the following;
Signs indicating higher degree of danger:
Preparation
- Tackler draws the arm back prior to contact
- Tackler may leave the ground
- Arm swings forward prior to contact.
Contact
- Tackler is attempting an active/dominant tackle, as opposed to a passive/soak, or "pulling out" of contact.
- Tackler speed and/or acceleration into tackle is high rigid arm or elbow makes contact with ball carrier head as part of swinging motion.
Follow through
- Tackler completes the tackle (as opposed to immediate release/withdrawl).
As you can see above Jacob does not meet any of the above criteria for a high degree of danger, thus the pathway to follow was always to yellow card, and mitigation rules when following a high degree of danger never needed applying. Once the referees incorrectly followed the route, in my humble opinion there was never enough mitigation to take it down from a red. Thus you can see the decision was wrong and if processes are applied at the hearing it should be taken down to yellow. Any other option is to ignore their own guidance.
But lets not step away from the joy today. I just have this feeling we may finally be turning a corner!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Rugby by birth, Wasps by the grace of God.
38
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: January 15, 2022, 06:48:17 AM »
Good morning from a cold and frosty Guildford! I am up with the lark, which after my works belated Christmas do last night I cannot guarantee some of my colleagues will be. The upside to having to drive means I have no hangover whilst some will be nursing some monster ones. Thus coffee is on the go, a walk in the Surrey hills awaits and a whole afternoon of European rugby awaits.
Although I hate the way the tournament is currently structured, and vehemently hope the pool and knockout phases return next term (maybe with a little tweak here and there), I have to admit watching our lads take on Europe’s finest is always a pleasure in itself. I have said all along injuries have blighted our campaign, and although benefits can be drawn from this by exposing players to top level rugby and experience that will serve us longer term. The trade off is that -in my humble opinion- Europe is beyond us this year as top 6 and qualification for next years tournament should be our goal.
However let’s not throw the baby out with the Bath water. Today should be about the boys expressing themselves and laying a marker down. And for us to enjoy the occasion. So let’s give it a crack and enjoy ourselves. I am looking forward to this one and certainly seeing Paulo back in the black and gold!
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
Although I hate the way the tournament is currently structured, and vehemently hope the pool and knockout phases return next term (maybe with a little tweak here and there), I have to admit watching our lads take on Europe’s finest is always a pleasure in itself. I have said all along injuries have blighted our campaign, and although benefits can be drawn from this by exposing players to top level rugby and experience that will serve us longer term. The trade off is that -in my humble opinion- Europe is beyond us this year as top 6 and qualification for next years tournament should be our goal.
However let’s not throw the baby out with the Bath water. Today should be about the boys expressing themselves and laying a marker down. And for us to enjoy the occasion. So let’s give it a crack and enjoy ourselves. I am looking forward to this one and certainly seeing Paulo back in the black and gold!
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
39
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps v Tigers: Post Match Thoughts
« on: January 09, 2022, 05:11:41 PM »
Get. In. There!
Get out of jail card used
Alfie immense.
With all the noise about two all blacks leaving the club this weekend, I think we all forgot about a player that you can build you team around. And that is Alfie. Immense is a understated word, but that turn over with 4 minutes to go...and his reaction with the team when we got it told me all we needed to know. You want a winning team, you need players like Alfie at its core!
My goodness though, we do like to make things hard for ourselves. 6 pens against us in the first 20 minutes, 4 scrum pens in a row on our 5 metre line in the last 10, Tigers winning the 2 yellow card period 0-6. A first 40 lacking in intensity or accuracy. Tigers were undercooked today, but full credit to the boys for that second forty and got the W. With all the things going against us in terms of injuries, and the slightly sweet taste of stopping Tigers winning run, what could be the biggest reward of all is this could be the turning point in our fortunes. It happened against Leinster in the 14/15 season in the HC. Is this the springboard we need?
What a effort boys!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God!
Get out of jail card used
Alfie immense.
With all the noise about two all blacks leaving the club this weekend, I think we all forgot about a player that you can build you team around. And that is Alfie. Immense is a understated word, but that turn over with 4 minutes to go...and his reaction with the team when we got it told me all we needed to know. You want a winning team, you need players like Alfie at its core!
My goodness though, we do like to make things hard for ourselves. 6 pens against us in the first 20 minutes, 4 scrum pens in a row on our 5 metre line in the last 10, Tigers winning the 2 yellow card period 0-6. A first 40 lacking in intensity or accuracy. Tigers were undercooked today, but full credit to the boys for that second forty and got the W. With all the things going against us in terms of injuries, and the slightly sweet taste of stopping Tigers winning run, what could be the biggest reward of all is this could be the turning point in our fortunes. It happened against Leinster in the 14/15 season in the HC. Is this the springboard we need?
What a effort boys!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God!
40
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Sale Sharks v Wasps: Post match thoughts.
« on: January 01, 2022, 03:55:40 PM »
Out thought out fought.
Slow in mind and in deed.
Lose the physical battle lose the game.
One step forward, two steps back.
Well played to Sale, aggressive, accurate -a little fortunate on occasion- but well well worth their victory.
For us.....that was horrible. Forget the first 5 minutes and last 2, as to focus on that would be to ignore what happened over the following 73 minutes. To our boys credit they did not stop trying. But as we said before at this level THAT is the bare minimum of what we should be doing. However we were physically beaten up, bullied, harassed and controlled far too often and for far too long and everything suffered from it. We lost the set piece, we lost the gain line, we lost dominance in the tackle, we lost the battle of the backs. We made mistakes off first phase, second phase, third phase....and if we got their...fourth phase.
Everything we did looked insipid and laboured when contrasted against Sale who looked sharp and powerful. Alo, Fifita, Stooke, Shields, West tried but struggled. Alfie, and Willis when he came on, looked the only ones able to physically match Sale. I am also sorry to point a individual out again, but Booj did everything wrong. He has played over 60 games for us, and still looks well out of his depth. Injuries have obliterated our midfield, and when players return he needs thanking for his effort and releasing.
The A.J Bell is a tough place to go, but only one team today looked like going top 6. The lads, we, the coaches are going to have to own this and feel every bit of hurt that comes from games like today, as it can inspire you going forward. Yes we are missing so many key players, but we cannot hide behind that. There are no easy games in the premiership, and we needed to be much more stronger physically today.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
Slow in mind and in deed.
Lose the physical battle lose the game.
One step forward, two steps back.
Well played to Sale, aggressive, accurate -a little fortunate on occasion- but well well worth their victory.
For us.....that was horrible. Forget the first 5 minutes and last 2, as to focus on that would be to ignore what happened over the following 73 minutes. To our boys credit they did not stop trying. But as we said before at this level THAT is the bare minimum of what we should be doing. However we were physically beaten up, bullied, harassed and controlled far too often and for far too long and everything suffered from it. We lost the set piece, we lost the gain line, we lost dominance in the tackle, we lost the battle of the backs. We made mistakes off first phase, second phase, third phase....and if we got their...fourth phase.
Everything we did looked insipid and laboured when contrasted against Sale who looked sharp and powerful. Alo, Fifita, Stooke, Shields, West tried but struggled. Alfie, and Willis when he came on, looked the only ones able to physically match Sale. I am also sorry to point a individual out again, but Booj did everything wrong. He has played over 60 games for us, and still looks well out of his depth. Injuries have obliterated our midfield, and when players return he needs thanking for his effort and releasing.
The A.J Bell is a tough place to go, but only one team today looked like going top 6. The lads, we, the coaches are going to have to own this and feel every bit of hurt that comes from games like today, as it can inspire you going forward. Yes we are missing so many key players, but we cannot hide behind that. There are no easy games in the premiership, and we needed to be much more stronger physically today.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Rugby by birth. Wasps by the grace of God.
41
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: January 01, 2022, 06:54:34 AM »
Good morning and happy new year to all Waspies from a very quiet Guildford! I am up with the lark as I was in bed by 10pm last night. But I get far more joy from a early night and awaking rested to enjoy the sunrise, breath in that fresh air you only get in the early morning whilst enjoying hot coffee. I did not think I would of been saying that after my teenage years and 20’s where late nights at gigs, clubs and the quintessential raves we went to in he 90’s!
I am acutely excited about our lads trip to Sale today. The Irish game showed what we can do, and gave us a glimpse of this full squads potential when our crippling injury list reduces. Jacob would of been ideal here to back up his performance from last week, but 2 weeks on the naughty step is fully justified. Evergreen (Gopps) however is a quality operator at 10 so I feel reassured, and his leadership will be vital not because Sale are quality, and visiting them is a exceptionally hard place to get a result, but also with Booj and Spink in midfield they will need all the direction he provides, especially coming up against Du Preez and Van Rensberg.
It is great to see Nizzam starting, and the pack looks balanced. Bomber and Frosty are turning into cracking finds, and the front 5 looks more reassured.
This is going to be an arm wrestle though. But no matter how many years go by the same rule about our wonderful sport applies. Whoever wins the set piece and dominates the gain line will win today. Despite their league position, Sale at home are rightly favourites, we will have to show that if we are going to be looking at champions cup next year, then these are places we can go to and prove we can get a result.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Rugby by birth, Wasps by the grace of God!
I am acutely excited about our lads trip to Sale today. The Irish game showed what we can do, and gave us a glimpse of this full squads potential when our crippling injury list reduces. Jacob would of been ideal here to back up his performance from last week, but 2 weeks on the naughty step is fully justified. Evergreen (Gopps) however is a quality operator at 10 so I feel reassured, and his leadership will be vital not because Sale are quality, and visiting them is a exceptionally hard place to get a result, but also with Booj and Spink in midfield they will need all the direction he provides, especially coming up against Du Preez and Van Rensberg.
It is great to see Nizzam starting, and the pack looks balanced. Bomber and Frosty are turning into cracking finds, and the front 5 looks more reassured.
This is going to be an arm wrestle though. But no matter how many years go by the same rule about our wonderful sport applies. Whoever wins the set piece and dominates the gain line will win today. Despite their league position, Sale at home are rightly favourites, we will have to show that if we are going to be looking at champions cup next year, then these are places we can go to and prove we can get a result.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Rugby by birth, Wasps by the grace of God!
42
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps v London Irish: Post match thoughts.
« on: December 26, 2021, 05:07:48 PM »
Jam today, not tomorrow!
Forwards take a bow!
Alfie is back!
A great time to get a 5 point win, this was so important today to keep in contact with the top 6, and the lads did the job. London Irish can be so dangerous and demonstrated as much when given possession and position, but the fact we shut them down so often and converted our chances was wonderful to see.
Jacobs red card was fully deserved and it will be a likely 2-4 match ban for him. Annoying as he played well, but all players need to learn quickly to bend in the tackle. Stay upright be prepared to watch your team from the stands. However today for me it was a great team effort, but standouts from the evergreen Jimmy, Alo, Shields, Frost and West were invaluable. With players returning next year perhaps we can now starting looking up rather than glancing down!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Forwards take a bow!
Alfie is back!
A great time to get a 5 point win, this was so important today to keep in contact with the top 6, and the lads did the job. London Irish can be so dangerous and demonstrated as much when given possession and position, but the fact we shut them down so often and converted our chances was wonderful to see.
Jacobs red card was fully deserved and it will be a likely 2-4 match ban for him. Annoying as he played well, but all players need to learn quickly to bend in the tackle. Stay upright be prepared to watch your team from the stands. However today for me it was a great team effort, but standouts from the evergreen Jimmy, Alo, Shields, Frost and West were invaluable. With players returning next year perhaps we can now starting looking up rather than glancing down!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
43
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps v Munster: Post match thoughts.
« on: December 12, 2021, 05:13:44 PM »
Fast, Loose, but good fun.
Injuries and Covid decide the outcome.
Luck not with us.
Well done to those left standing today, they really gave a good account of themselves. Full of energy and desire and I am proud they kept plugging away. But our own covid outbreak scuppered any chance of a result today, and the red card simply solidified it. Let’s hope Ogre and Nizzam are ok, it is so horribly depressing that the injuries just keep coming.
I am going to keep this short. Before the tournament started I was convinced we needed to just get through the fixtures and get out as quickly as possible. We simply have too many injuries, and can only fight on one front this season. We need to get the players back and focus on top 6. Everything else is unimportant now.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Injuries and Covid decide the outcome.
Luck not with us.
Well done to those left standing today, they really gave a good account of themselves. Full of energy and desire and I am proud they kept plugging away. But our own covid outbreak scuppered any chance of a result today, and the red card simply solidified it. Let’s hope Ogre and Nizzam are ok, it is so horribly depressing that the injuries just keep coming.
I am going to keep this short. Before the tournament started I was convinced we needed to just get through the fixtures and get out as quickly as possible. We simply have too many injuries, and can only fight on one front this season. We need to get the players back and focus on top 6. Everything else is unimportant now.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
44
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Worcester v Wasps: Post match thoughts.
« on: December 04, 2021, 05:09:00 PM »
Close but no cigar
Can’t go 18 points behind away and expect to win
2 points better than 1
We nearly got there, we nearly got a win, but on the balance of play over the 80 minutes it feels like the right result. Warriors were stronger in the scrum for the majority, and spent 20 minutes at 14 men, yet still held out. Their supporters need to act with more class, booing the oppo kicker was frankly an embarrassment, but thankfully their team remained classy throughout.
We still look all at sea at times. Whether it is cheap penalties, unforced errors or moves breaking down, we just seem a half a second behind in thought and deed. Too many passes were forced and too many times we ran laterally. If you cannot score more points than your opposition when you have a man up you don’t really deserve to win the game.
On the positives as our bench came on our game improved, De Chavis was excellent, as was Frost, Alfie a level above. Porter and Wolfstenholme were good, but like Umaga both need to start making moves forwards in performance and control. Umaga to be fair was much improved, people may criticise how many times he took it to the line, got tackled and isolated. However if you look at the running lines of his supporting players they were far to flat, and making any pass to them impossible, just sitting that little bit deeper would of allowed much more gain in the wider channels.
We are hanging in there by our fingertips for top 6 now. I think any thoughts of going for silverware now are fanciful. Injuries have plagued us, and it is those that are injured and the length of the injuries that has pretty much torpedoed our season. I would love to be proved wrong, but all focus should be on really getting a squad experienced and established, with hopefully, our world class facilities making a difference that we need to reduce the injury toll.
Onto Europe we go.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Can’t go 18 points behind away and expect to win
2 points better than 1
We nearly got there, we nearly got a win, but on the balance of play over the 80 minutes it feels like the right result. Warriors were stronger in the scrum for the majority, and spent 20 minutes at 14 men, yet still held out. Their supporters need to act with more class, booing the oppo kicker was frankly an embarrassment, but thankfully their team remained classy throughout.
We still look all at sea at times. Whether it is cheap penalties, unforced errors or moves breaking down, we just seem a half a second behind in thought and deed. Too many passes were forced and too many times we ran laterally. If you cannot score more points than your opposition when you have a man up you don’t really deserve to win the game.
On the positives as our bench came on our game improved, De Chavis was excellent, as was Frost, Alfie a level above. Porter and Wolfstenholme were good, but like Umaga both need to start making moves forwards in performance and control. Umaga to be fair was much improved, people may criticise how many times he took it to the line, got tackled and isolated. However if you look at the running lines of his supporting players they were far to flat, and making any pass to them impossible, just sitting that little bit deeper would of allowed much more gain in the wider channels.
We are hanging in there by our fingertips for top 6 now. I think any thoughts of going for silverware now are fanciful. Injuries have plagued us, and it is those that are injured and the length of the injuries that has pretty much torpedoed our season. I would love to be proved wrong, but all focus should be on really getting a squad experienced and established, with hopefully, our world class facilities making a difference that we need to reduce the injury toll.
Onto Europe we go.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
45
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: December 04, 2021, 06:48:56 AM »
Good morning all Waspies from a dark and quiet Guildford. Advent has begun, and I am officially in the Christmas mood as our Christmas tree and decorations go up today. I have noted with interest that many have done this in November this year, however there has been no premature treejaculation in our house, but come tea time it will certainly have the full festive feel. The question remains will it be us Waspies heading home with a 4-5 point present, or will it be a lump of coal that awaits us?
Sixways is a tough old place to get a result, and I am certain that Warriors will not be in the giving mood. There will be no gift wrapped win, and if we are to get a result today we are going to need to wrest it from them like a Boxing Day sale shopper.
Worcester are no push overs, and when I looked at their team yesterday you can see big performers throughout. But what struck me about their selection was balance, both in the starting XV and importantly on the bench. We however are at a ‘all hands to the pump’ situation. I never like a 6-2 bench split unless weather and playing surface dictates, as it narrows our options if things are not going well -this is not one of those times- And it would only take 1-2 knocks to starting players before combinations start to suffer as players shuffle out of position. Eddie Jones seems to think you can slot a player anywhere and they can perform. Yet he is wrong that numbers on a players back are inconsequential, each position has certain skills and attributes that if not mastered can leave you wanting. If that happens team performance dips and you are in trouble. Yet a team with Nizam and Alfie on the bench will always remain a threat.
You have to say Worcester are favourites today...We are going to have to fight for this one as we need to stay in touch with the top 6.
Come on you Wasps!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Sixways is a tough old place to get a result, and I am certain that Warriors will not be in the giving mood. There will be no gift wrapped win, and if we are to get a result today we are going to need to wrest it from them like a Boxing Day sale shopper.
Worcester are no push overs, and when I looked at their team yesterday you can see big performers throughout. But what struck me about their selection was balance, both in the starting XV and importantly on the bench. We however are at a ‘all hands to the pump’ situation. I never like a 6-2 bench split unless weather and playing surface dictates, as it narrows our options if things are not going well -this is not one of those times- And it would only take 1-2 knocks to starting players before combinations start to suffer as players shuffle out of position. Eddie Jones seems to think you can slot a player anywhere and they can perform. Yet he is wrong that numbers on a players back are inconsequential, each position has certain skills and attributes that if not mastered can leave you wanting. If that happens team performance dips and you are in trouble. Yet a team with Nizam and Alfie on the bench will always remain a threat.
You have to say Worcester are favourites today...We are going to have to fight for this one as we need to stay in touch with the top 6.
Come on you Wasps!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!