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61
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps v Leicester: Post Match Thoughts
« on: June 12, 2021, 05:11:44 PM »
1: Champions Cup Rugby here we come!
2: Last man standing gets us there
3: Never stopped trying.
Well done Tigers, did what Tigers historically have done well, physical and abrasive. However they're weakness is our strength and visa versa. If either team want to get back into the top 4 and challenge for silverware we need more physicality and they need more speed and back play.
In the end the game fizzed out a little for the last 20, we never stopped going and got a LBP to go with the TBP which was deserved. Lots to work on in the off season, physicality and brutality needs upgrading, as well as a more dominant set piece. Skill levels and psychological resilience also needs some work as well. Umaga should definitely still play on the hoof, but again kicking is an issue that will be a work on. Over the course of the season too many missed touches, missed kicks to touch and to the posts, and also kick passing were short of where he needs it to be. Centre pairing needs some work as well.
But todays result was more about getting what we needed to get into Europe. A win would of been great, but with injuries once more following us everywhere and young players being blooded mitigation needs to be made.
Overall a tough season, but the boys have a whole preseason to work through, and we have Champions cup rugby next term!!!
2: Last man standing gets us there
3: Never stopped trying.
Well done Tigers, did what Tigers historically have done well, physical and abrasive. However they're weakness is our strength and visa versa. If either team want to get back into the top 4 and challenge for silverware we need more physicality and they need more speed and back play.
In the end the game fizzed out a little for the last 20, we never stopped going and got a LBP to go with the TBP which was deserved. Lots to work on in the off season, physicality and brutality needs upgrading, as well as a more dominant set piece. Skill levels and psychological resilience also needs some work as well. Umaga should definitely still play on the hoof, but again kicking is an issue that will be a work on. Over the course of the season too many missed touches, missed kicks to touch and to the posts, and also kick passing were short of where he needs it to be. Centre pairing needs some work as well.
But todays result was more about getting what we needed to get into Europe. A win would of been great, but with injuries once more following us everywhere and young players being blooded mitigation needs to be made.
Overall a tough season, but the boys have a whole preseason to work through, and we have Champions cup rugby next term!!!
62
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Socially distanced Player Tunnel?
« on: June 05, 2021, 10:27:04 PM »
Anyone with links to the club able to contact them this week? Not only is Tigers a huge game, now a derby, but also a long standing massive rivalry between our two clubs. But also champions cup qualification rides on it, and it is the first game back with fans back at our home! Surely one way to pump the boys up is to have a supporters tunnel when the lads arrive at the ground to walk through (socially distanced of course). I cannot think of a better way to pump them up than us showing them how much they and the club means!
63
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Irish v Wasps: Post match thoughts.
« on: June 05, 2021, 06:51:29 PM »
1: It REALLY IS a game of two halves!
2: We cannot put in a first forty like that ever again.
3: Champions cup qualification is in our hands.
4: Umaga needs a kicking coach pronto.
5: Sometimes it takes one win to start something very special.
WHAT A GAME!! Lets get the elephant in the room sorted straight away, we can never put in a first forty like that ever again, it was off in oh so many ways, intensity, physicality, mental acuity...you name it we were second best. I said to the wife at half time that if it was any other team apart from Wasps facing the Irish I would of loved it, they were fantastic! to win the 10 minute sin bin 14-0 when you are 1 player down is phenomenal, and to go in 23 up was the least they deserved!
But what a second half, started with intensity, carried on, lost some focus, but defended with intent, and turned the screw and got the win....I will be more detailed in future posts, but my hands are shaking so much from adrenaline it is hard to type!
WELL DONE WASPS!!!!
2: We cannot put in a first forty like that ever again.
3: Champions cup qualification is in our hands.
4: Umaga needs a kicking coach pronto.
5: Sometimes it takes one win to start something very special.
WHAT A GAME!! Lets get the elephant in the room sorted straight away, we can never put in a first forty like that ever again, it was off in oh so many ways, intensity, physicality, mental acuity...you name it we were second best. I said to the wife at half time that if it was any other team apart from Wasps facing the Irish I would of loved it, they were fantastic! to win the 10 minute sin bin 14-0 when you are 1 player down is phenomenal, and to go in 23 up was the least they deserved!
But what a second half, started with intensity, carried on, lost some focus, but defended with intent, and turned the screw and got the win....I will be more detailed in future posts, but my hands are shaking so much from adrenaline it is hard to type!
WELL DONE WASPS!!!!
64
Wasps Rugby Discussion / This weekend is time to start how we mean to go on!
« on: June 03, 2021, 07:34:57 PM »
Its been a tough season, injuries once more have hit key players at key times with such regularity over recent years that I wish my wife's ovulation period was as predictable! We could of formed our own squad of offspring if there was a parallel!
But perhaps with us back, a new momentum can be gained. No longer do the lads have to generate momentum alone...we will be back and cheering them along..and never has a better time arisen. We are pushing top 8, and the stadium does not need to be full to rock with our support. This weekend is about our lads making a statement, a show of intent that displays to all opponents that Wasps will always have the ability to play a game to blow challengers away, top tables and win silverware.
So now we are in the 48 hour countdown to kick off..Its time to show what we can do! Yes the years are different, but this sort of play is in our DNA, and it is time our team embraced it.....It should not concern them, but release them and their potential....We are Wasps, and it is high time we showed it! Get top 8, into the Champions cup, and send a message to the rest of the league that next season we are coming for them!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-d-RhFy8uY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb-ZZD3AkKE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuY3IDcVyVU
COME ON YOU WASPS!!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!!!
But perhaps with us back, a new momentum can be gained. No longer do the lads have to generate momentum alone...we will be back and cheering them along..and never has a better time arisen. We are pushing top 8, and the stadium does not need to be full to rock with our support. This weekend is about our lads making a statement, a show of intent that displays to all opponents that Wasps will always have the ability to play a game to blow challengers away, top tables and win silverware.
So now we are in the 48 hour countdown to kick off..Its time to show what we can do! Yes the years are different, but this sort of play is in our DNA, and it is time our team embraced it.....It should not concern them, but release them and their potential....We are Wasps, and it is high time we showed it! Get top 8, into the Champions cup, and send a message to the rest of the league that next season we are coming for them!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-d-RhFy8uY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb-ZZD3AkKE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuY3IDcVyVU
COME ON YOU WASPS!!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!!!
65
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Saints v Wasps: Post Match thoughts.
« on: May 29, 2021, 06:54:28 PM »
1: How do you solve a problem like Wasps?
2: Intensity and Speed of thought & deed should not wait until the final two minutes.
3: We are wonderfully consistantly inconsistant.
Well done Saints, with the mental block of trying to get in the top 4 gone, they played a much more physical and accurate game, and Sleightmolme was phenominal (Bassett will have been given a good heads up today that he needs to get better, and faster). Saints deserve the win.
But our boys were not at the races mentally or physically today. Our young talent are learning, and there is no hiding place in professional rugby. Umagas mistake after young Atkinson commited the cardinal sin of looking up before picking up was poor. Ohgre needs to learn when to give the ball to the 9 in the maul. It cost field position, points and cards.
However our lads looked like they were treading water today, and once more I could see no sort of style or plan. I have concerns over our S&C team, and this is an ongoing concern. I have concerns over our thinking and also our decision making. We fatigued far far to quickly today, and with that came mental fatigue and decision fatigue. Also we should not wait until the last 2 minutes to show some hustle and speed. We escaped with a point, but we now need to win against Irish and Tigers to qualify for Europe, and we (the fans) are going to be needed more than evere, because it is clear the team are struggling to get emotionally in the right place at the moment. But after today I am far from convinced we have enough in this team this season. I just hope I am wrong.
Oh, and a word about Graham Hughes. I am afraid it is time for him to hang up the remote control. We had a young referee today who needed support from his senior colleagues. What he got was a TMO out of his depth and rapidly running out of time. Referees are under scrutiny like never before, and unless we get the right people in then we could end up in a position where respect will get to a level of that of our roundball cousins.
We're in the top 8, but if we stay in it will be because other teams play worse than us....This summer is going to be big for Lee and co nomatter what European tournament we are in.
2: Intensity and Speed of thought & deed should not wait until the final two minutes.
3: We are wonderfully consistantly inconsistant.
Well done Saints, with the mental block of trying to get in the top 4 gone, they played a much more physical and accurate game, and Sleightmolme was phenominal (Bassett will have been given a good heads up today that he needs to get better, and faster). Saints deserve the win.
But our boys were not at the races mentally or physically today. Our young talent are learning, and there is no hiding place in professional rugby. Umagas mistake after young Atkinson commited the cardinal sin of looking up before picking up was poor. Ohgre needs to learn when to give the ball to the 9 in the maul. It cost field position, points and cards.
However our lads looked like they were treading water today, and once more I could see no sort of style or plan. I have concerns over our S&C team, and this is an ongoing concern. I have concerns over our thinking and also our decision making. We fatigued far far to quickly today, and with that came mental fatigue and decision fatigue. Also we should not wait until the last 2 minutes to show some hustle and speed. We escaped with a point, but we now need to win against Irish and Tigers to qualify for Europe, and we (the fans) are going to be needed more than evere, because it is clear the team are struggling to get emotionally in the right place at the moment. But after today I am far from convinced we have enough in this team this season. I just hope I am wrong.
Oh, and a word about Graham Hughes. I am afraid it is time for him to hang up the remote control. We had a young referee today who needed support from his senior colleagues. What he got was a TMO out of his depth and rapidly running out of time. Referees are under scrutiny like never before, and unless we get the right people in then we could end up in a position where respect will get to a level of that of our roundball cousins.
We're in the top 8, but if we stay in it will be because other teams play worse than us....This summer is going to be big for Lee and co nomatter what European tournament we are in.
66
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: May 29, 2021, 07:39:00 AM »
Good morning all Waspies from a temporarily grey Guildford. I have awoken with anticipation of the clouds melting away to reveal the warmth of the sun on this bank holiday weekend. And what better way to celebrate this than seeing our lads run out at the Gardens to take on a confidence shy Northampton Saints!
This has all the makings of a fantastic game, Saints are now out of the top 4, and although disapointed the mental release and freedom that gives may be a bonus in terms of performance. We on the other hand are right in the mix for a top 8 finish and Champions cup qualification, yet as equally as we could finish 6th, we could also finish 11th. As it is now top 8 qualifying a lot more games have become a lot more interesting...imagine if we had relegation still in play, you would struggle not to find a match without something hanging upon it! Manna from heaven for any rugby supporter!
Both teams could win this, and win well, today will be about who has the confidence to go out there and put a stamp on the game. There are battles across the field, from the 12-13 channels, to Lions Bigger v up and coming Umaga. But it all starts in the engine room, and also achieving that little word discipline! On too many occasion to many players have made far to many mistakes and given away soft penalties that have had big consequences. Get these right and you are onto firm footing.
Make no mistake I am pumped for this game! My Wasps oddball boxers, socks, wrist band and shirt is adorned! And come game time my neighbours and my poor wife (who is a senior manager/incident commander in the NHS ambulance service) and on duty nights this weekend, will certainly know we are playing once again!
Come on you Wasps!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!!
This has all the makings of a fantastic game, Saints are now out of the top 4, and although disapointed the mental release and freedom that gives may be a bonus in terms of performance. We on the other hand are right in the mix for a top 8 finish and Champions cup qualification, yet as equally as we could finish 6th, we could also finish 11th. As it is now top 8 qualifying a lot more games have become a lot more interesting...imagine if we had relegation still in play, you would struggle not to find a match without something hanging upon it! Manna from heaven for any rugby supporter!
Both teams could win this, and win well, today will be about who has the confidence to go out there and put a stamp on the game. There are battles across the field, from the 12-13 channels, to Lions Bigger v up and coming Umaga. But it all starts in the engine room, and also achieving that little word discipline! On too many occasion to many players have made far to many mistakes and given away soft penalties that have had big consequences. Get these right and you are onto firm footing.
Make no mistake I am pumped for this game! My Wasps oddball boxers, socks, wrist band and shirt is adorned! And come game time my neighbours and my poor wife (who is a senior manager/incident commander in the NHS ambulance service) and on duty nights this weekend, will certainly know we are playing once again!
Come on you Wasps!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!!
67
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps V Worcester: Post Match Thoughts.
« on: May 15, 2021, 05:22:59 PM »
Escape to victory.
Discipline again (does that sound familiar?)
Tactics found wanting.
We won, it is 4 points that keeps us in with a shout of champions cup rugby next year, however that was an entirely forgettable game with a victory that has the feel of kissing your sister.
First 40 I was quite pleased, yes we were profligate in the red zone, but physically we were much improved and Robson was on point giving a good example on how to play wet weather rugby. Not over convincing, but good value for our lead.
Second 40? Well Lee and the coaches are going to have to shoulder some blame here, why we stopped competing the breakdown I will never know! We simply invited quick ball for Worcester, and from this gain line success, missed tackles and points were shipped with a worrying regularity. Wrong tactics that nearly cost league points. The coaches need to accept they got away with this one, but resolve not to make such tactical mistakes again.
Next, discipline..again! This is like an unwanted guest at a party. You can still enjoy the event, but an underlying frustration remains. This must be addressed, it continues to rear its head, and it cannot be allowed to continue. a bonus point was left out there because of this.
The red card was spot on, and that is Morris' season done. I could not be a bigger supporter of this journey to reduce head injuries, but it is becoming harder and harder to excuse the players now. They know the rules, it has been there long enough, and it is time someone gave the players heads a collective wobble so they finally learn to tackle properly.
This next weekend break could not come at a better time. We are thankfully getting points whilst making errors, but we need to learn to move forward.
Discipline again (does that sound familiar?)
Tactics found wanting.
We won, it is 4 points that keeps us in with a shout of champions cup rugby next year, however that was an entirely forgettable game with a victory that has the feel of kissing your sister.
First 40 I was quite pleased, yes we were profligate in the red zone, but physically we were much improved and Robson was on point giving a good example on how to play wet weather rugby. Not over convincing, but good value for our lead.
Second 40? Well Lee and the coaches are going to have to shoulder some blame here, why we stopped competing the breakdown I will never know! We simply invited quick ball for Worcester, and from this gain line success, missed tackles and points were shipped with a worrying regularity. Wrong tactics that nearly cost league points. The coaches need to accept they got away with this one, but resolve not to make such tactical mistakes again.
Next, discipline..again! This is like an unwanted guest at a party. You can still enjoy the event, but an underlying frustration remains. This must be addressed, it continues to rear its head, and it cannot be allowed to continue. a bonus point was left out there because of this.
The red card was spot on, and that is Morris' season done. I could not be a bigger supporter of this journey to reduce head injuries, but it is becoming harder and harder to excuse the players now. They know the rules, it has been there long enough, and it is time someone gave the players heads a collective wobble so they finally learn to tackle properly.
This next weekend break could not come at a better time. We are thankfully getting points whilst making errors, but we need to learn to move forward.
68
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: May 15, 2021, 07:20:01 AM »
Good morning all Waspies from a wet but very welcomingly fresh Guildford. Coffees on the go, however the hounds walk in the Surrey hills will have to wait until tomorrow, as in a break from my normal pre match routine my better half has set up a meeting with the builders of our new house to discuss flooring, walls, tiles and the like (not sure why I am going as she is very much the boss of this, and as long as I can have my canvas print of Twickenham and signed Dallaglio jersey on the wall, with room in the fridge for an beer or 2 I am happy). But fortunately a little deviation on the way back to a local brewery to pick up some ale for our game this afternoon has been arranged....I will tell her on the way.
To today’s game. Well results around us have certainly made 6th spot a possibility. However all of us from Irish in 6th to Falcons in 11th could stumble into that spot. None of us are playing particularly well or with conviction. Every team in this group of 6 have bright moments, but then equally produce performances that you would not accept from your mini rugby kids, and equally would not get a result against a vets team who had been heavily on the booze the night before.
Potentially in this game Atkinson could be exposed by Warriors today. He is a fine 10, and has the potential to become a leading fly half in the premiership. But he is young, raw with lots to learn, and a 15 he is not. Miller struggled last week, but he is a sound 15, and that is exactly what we need at present. In the pack I will go against many a view on here but I am pleased to see Oghre start. Yes his discipline and line out darts need to improve, but there is an raw energy, a physicality, an attitude and keenness to his game that I really like. These are traits for success. You can teach the skills of the game, improve the ability, but without those core elements that he has success is but a pipe dream. He will make mistakes, but he is one to work with a get more game time for. With players like him, Alfie, The Willis brothers you can build a formidable pack.
I admit to being frustrated with Warriors. Yes moving the game into next week would mean shuffling time off, however have they missed what has happened over the last year? Have they forgotten there is no game next weekend for them? Have they not looked at rugby’s accounts of late? And also, did they not think, that with all that all of us have been through, the chance to open the doors to supporters and to provide a much needed boost that spending time together would of brought, and the relief and joy it would that would of been felt would not be worth it! Make no bones if this was at theirs I think their thinking would be different, and in this posters humble opinion it is to their shame that they did not see the bigger picture. This has motivated Robbo and the players, and my life it has motivated me to want to see us put in a display that not only gets a victory, but grinds them into the dirt!
It’s fair to say I am pumped for this game! I only wish I was in the stands with you all!
COME ON YOU WASPS!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
To today’s game. Well results around us have certainly made 6th spot a possibility. However all of us from Irish in 6th to Falcons in 11th could stumble into that spot. None of us are playing particularly well or with conviction. Every team in this group of 6 have bright moments, but then equally produce performances that you would not accept from your mini rugby kids, and equally would not get a result against a vets team who had been heavily on the booze the night before.
Potentially in this game Atkinson could be exposed by Warriors today. He is a fine 10, and has the potential to become a leading fly half in the premiership. But he is young, raw with lots to learn, and a 15 he is not. Miller struggled last week, but he is a sound 15, and that is exactly what we need at present. In the pack I will go against many a view on here but I am pleased to see Oghre start. Yes his discipline and line out darts need to improve, but there is an raw energy, a physicality, an attitude and keenness to his game that I really like. These are traits for success. You can teach the skills of the game, improve the ability, but without those core elements that he has success is but a pipe dream. He will make mistakes, but he is one to work with a get more game time for. With players like him, Alfie, The Willis brothers you can build a formidable pack.
I admit to being frustrated with Warriors. Yes moving the game into next week would mean shuffling time off, however have they missed what has happened over the last year? Have they forgotten there is no game next weekend for them? Have they not looked at rugby’s accounts of late? And also, did they not think, that with all that all of us have been through, the chance to open the doors to supporters and to provide a much needed boost that spending time together would of brought, and the relief and joy it would that would of been felt would not be worth it! Make no bones if this was at theirs I think their thinking would be different, and in this posters humble opinion it is to their shame that they did not see the bigger picture. This has motivated Robbo and the players, and my life it has motivated me to want to see us put in a display that not only gets a victory, but grinds them into the dirt!
It’s fair to say I am pumped for this game! I only wish I was in the stands with you all!
COME ON YOU WASPS!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
69
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Champions or Challenge Cup?
« on: May 09, 2021, 06:03:58 PM »
At first glance, Champions cup...It has the bigger games, likely the bigger crowds and the bigger income.
However on second passing is our coaching and playing team at a point in their development where going into the Challenge Cup and pushing hard to win would be more beneficial? First thoughts that spring to mind is the Bears....won the thing last year, monkey off back with silverwear secured, a title gained and confidence and memories forged both with the team and also the fans. Also think Parker pen champions 2002/3 and where that led us?
perhaps champions of the challenge could be far better.
However on second passing is our coaching and playing team at a point in their development where going into the Challenge Cup and pushing hard to win would be more beneficial? First thoughts that spring to mind is the Bears....won the thing last year, monkey off back with silverwear secured, a title gained and confidence and memories forged both with the team and also the fans. Also think Parker pen champions 2002/3 and where that led us?
perhaps champions of the challenge could be far better.
70
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Harlequins v Wasps: Post Match Thoughts.
« on: May 09, 2021, 05:21:06 PM »
Harem Scarum
So Near Yet So Far
A Game Is Not Over Until The Final Whistle.
What a cracking game of rugger! For the defensive purists amongst us that will give you nightmares for a decade. However both teams contributed to a cracking and highly entertaining game of rugby.
Harlequins were good for their win, deserve the points and the plaudits, and also deserve a semi final spot. They were full of energy and drive, led by example and kept to their systems for the whole 80+ minutes. That was a quality performance, and you have to doff your hat to them.
For ourselves....well it would be very easy to lose the positives in the negatives - and certainly they must be worked on, defence, discipline (again) and accuracy -, but there was a lot to be positive about. We played with a game plan and style, unfortunately a hard lesson here was that we still make key mistakes at key points. One that sticks in the old shirt term memory is letting the tackle area go unchallenged in the last few minutes thus allowing quick ruck ball.
Robson had a cracking game, Shields did well, Odogwu played very well. Fekatoa great, but moving to 12 left him positionally exposed at times.
Looking at the battle between the 9's, although we lost Robson just gave another example as to why he should be starting for England. Care has been on form all season, and he his mini battle with him was won, and won well.
Jacob....well compare and contrast with Marcus, If Marcus does not get the chance with England....then an almost watertight case for getting rid of Eddie Jones takes its last step towards case closed....WHAT a performance. Jacob is 1 season behind Smith in his development, and when you look at how Smith moved his team around, kicked and passed this is exactly where Jacob and young Atkinson need to be when they reach the same stage.
Make no bones about it, this will hurt....but hurt can be moved to something more positive, something more tactile....and this is exactly what we need to do with it. Remember Harlequins are going for the title, and we are desperately trying to get into the top 8 and Europe..Take this on board, commit to being part of a process that will lead to titles and silver wear and then through defeat victory can be achieved! Judgement comes from not by how we win but by how we lose.
Well done Harlequins....For our boys, we go again!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
So Near Yet So Far
A Game Is Not Over Until The Final Whistle.
What a cracking game of rugger! For the defensive purists amongst us that will give you nightmares for a decade. However both teams contributed to a cracking and highly entertaining game of rugby.
Harlequins were good for their win, deserve the points and the plaudits, and also deserve a semi final spot. They were full of energy and drive, led by example and kept to their systems for the whole 80+ minutes. That was a quality performance, and you have to doff your hat to them.
For ourselves....well it would be very easy to lose the positives in the negatives - and certainly they must be worked on, defence, discipline (again) and accuracy -, but there was a lot to be positive about. We played with a game plan and style, unfortunately a hard lesson here was that we still make key mistakes at key points. One that sticks in the old shirt term memory is letting the tackle area go unchallenged in the last few minutes thus allowing quick ruck ball.
Robson had a cracking game, Shields did well, Odogwu played very well. Fekatoa great, but moving to 12 left him positionally exposed at times.
Looking at the battle between the 9's, although we lost Robson just gave another example as to why he should be starting for England. Care has been on form all season, and he his mini battle with him was won, and won well.
Jacob....well compare and contrast with Marcus, If Marcus does not get the chance with England....then an almost watertight case for getting rid of Eddie Jones takes its last step towards case closed....WHAT a performance. Jacob is 1 season behind Smith in his development, and when you look at how Smith moved his team around, kicked and passed this is exactly where Jacob and young Atkinson need to be when they reach the same stage.
Make no bones about it, this will hurt....but hurt can be moved to something more positive, something more tactile....and this is exactly what we need to do with it. Remember Harlequins are going for the title, and we are desperately trying to get into the top 8 and Europe..Take this on board, commit to being part of a process that will lead to titles and silver wear and then through defeat victory can be achieved! Judgement comes from not by how we win but by how we lose.
Well done Harlequins....For our boys, we go again!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
71
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: May 09, 2021, 06:54:08 AM »
Morning all Waspies from a pleasantly mild Guildford. It’s been a while since I can follow my Sunday pre match ritual, but today I get to enjoy the dog walk, morning coffee, rugby paper and Sunday lunch before settling down to watch our boys take on Quins at the Stoop.
Yesterday’s results are pushing 6-11 much closer, and with Europe looking like top 8 this season we are once more back in the running to claim a slot. Yet if we are to stand a chance of top 8 last rounds result against Bath should not be seen as a fluke, but more a catalyst. Injuries to key players in key positions has once more been the ongoing theme for us -and has been now for 3-4 seasons- yet through injury, opportunity arises, and the boys today are going to have to be physically and mentally on point if we are to get anything from a highly impressive Quins outfit. The battle between the two 9-10 axis players will be central to who takes the plaudits today. Dan & Jacob v Danny & Marcus promises to be an absolute cracker. Interestingly Quins formula to success is very much on a blueprint to our own. Indeed the more this season they have played like ‘Wasps’ the better they have looked. A lot of good things have gone through Esterhuizen for Quins, and they will miss him as he takes to the naughty step for the second time this season. Northmore is not only going to have to be a able replacement, but will also be facing Fekatoa and find a way to quieten him. However equally our speed of ball and broken field play required turnovers aplenty, and without Jack our other lads have simply not found that easy to come by.
This promises to be a game of high ball in play time and speed aplenty, and that is what makes it so tantalising a contest, as this is when both teams look at their best.
Quins have to be firm favourites, they’re performances and position in the league demand it. However the beauty of our league is that anyone can beat anyone else. We have to get at least a point from today, however a win and we are right in their for Europe next season.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Yesterday’s results are pushing 6-11 much closer, and with Europe looking like top 8 this season we are once more back in the running to claim a slot. Yet if we are to stand a chance of top 8 last rounds result against Bath should not be seen as a fluke, but more a catalyst. Injuries to key players in key positions has once more been the ongoing theme for us -and has been now for 3-4 seasons- yet through injury, opportunity arises, and the boys today are going to have to be physically and mentally on point if we are to get anything from a highly impressive Quins outfit. The battle between the two 9-10 axis players will be central to who takes the plaudits today. Dan & Jacob v Danny & Marcus promises to be an absolute cracker. Interestingly Quins formula to success is very much on a blueprint to our own. Indeed the more this season they have played like ‘Wasps’ the better they have looked. A lot of good things have gone through Esterhuizen for Quins, and they will miss him as he takes to the naughty step for the second time this season. Northmore is not only going to have to be a able replacement, but will also be facing Fekatoa and find a way to quieten him. However equally our speed of ball and broken field play required turnovers aplenty, and without Jack our other lads have simply not found that easy to come by.
This promises to be a game of high ball in play time and speed aplenty, and that is what makes it so tantalising a contest, as this is when both teams look at their best.
Quins have to be firm favourites, they’re performances and position in the league demand it. However the beauty of our league is that anyone can beat anyone else. We have to get at least a point from today, however a win and we are right in their for Europe next season.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
72
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps v Bath: Post match thoughts.
« on: April 25, 2021, 05:05:00 PM »
Monkey off our back
Trying hard to click....perhaps a little too much.
Winning breeds confidence.
Well that was an arm wrestle, and one that encapsulated our season in 80 minutes. Moments of brilliance, moments of inaccuracy, moments of ill discipline, moments of grit and determination. We played like a team with the world on our shoulders, so to turn the tables and get a win is invaluable.
This has to be a moment to build from, not just for this season, but going forward in years to come.
As an aside, black and gold hoops should feature so much more in our kits.
Trying hard to click....perhaps a little too much.
Winning breeds confidence.
Well that was an arm wrestle, and one that encapsulated our season in 80 minutes. Moments of brilliance, moments of inaccuracy, moments of ill discipline, moments of grit and determination. We played like a team with the world on our shoulders, so to turn the tables and get a win is invaluable.
This has to be a moment to build from, not just for this season, but going forward in years to come.
As an aside, black and gold hoops should feature so much more in our kits.
73
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Exeter v Wasps: Post match thoughts.
« on: April 17, 2021, 02:18:54 PM »
1: first 40 some hope, 2nd 40 no hope.
2: Russia here we come.
3: Consistently inconsistent.
We were well beaten today, we gave a good account of ourselves in the first 40, yet that’s where the positives end. Second half we were outplayed in every facet and in every imaginable area possible. We lost shape, intensity, accuracy and discipline. We started playing like a team of individuals rather than a unit and Chiefs took us apart. They are so far ahead of us that it is really hard to work out how we were within a successful line out of beating them not 6 months previously. Yes Exeter were fully loaded, but you cannot fall apart like this in any part of any game...it is embarrassing.
Top 6 is now a impossible target, not because of matches left or points to get there, it is because we are not good enough and not consistent enough to push into that group of, frankly, better teams.
Lee et al have so much to work on, and we need to look at who we need to keep, who we need to bring in, and who we need to thank and say goodbye to because currently it is not working. 17 tries from 10 games, 9 lost from 11 played in the premiership and 33 points conceded to none scored in a second 40 is not acceptable. And it is that number 11 which may resonate at seasons end, because it will likely be the position in the league we finish, and honestly that which we deserve. We must hope however Worcester don’t improve or it could be worse.
2: Russia here we come.
3: Consistently inconsistent.
We were well beaten today, we gave a good account of ourselves in the first 40, yet that’s where the positives end. Second half we were outplayed in every facet and in every imaginable area possible. We lost shape, intensity, accuracy and discipline. We started playing like a team of individuals rather than a unit and Chiefs took us apart. They are so far ahead of us that it is really hard to work out how we were within a successful line out of beating them not 6 months previously. Yes Exeter were fully loaded, but you cannot fall apart like this in any part of any game...it is embarrassing.
Top 6 is now a impossible target, not because of matches left or points to get there, it is because we are not good enough and not consistent enough to push into that group of, frankly, better teams.
Lee et al have so much to work on, and we need to look at who we need to keep, who we need to bring in, and who we need to thank and say goodbye to because currently it is not working. 17 tries from 10 games, 9 lost from 11 played in the premiership and 33 points conceded to none scored in a second 40 is not acceptable. And it is that number 11 which may resonate at seasons end, because it will likely be the position in the league we finish, and honestly that which we deserve. We must hope however Worcester don’t improve or it could be worse.
74
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: April 17, 2021, 06:32:40 AM »
Good morning all Waspies from a clear and crisp Guildford! I’m up with the lark as usual, however my alarm this morning was conducted by my stomach after last nights vindaloo....Gaviscon is effective, but not for the 12 hours it promised on the bottle! My wife wonders when I will learn that my love of very hot food can be upsetting for my digestion, but then she remembers my love for Wasps and the impact that has! So as my local Indian restaurant owner knows he has my unquestioning loyalty -although there was an incident regarding an onion bhaji - so my ongoing lifelong love and loyalty to Wasps continues.
This is a huge game, win and top 6 is possible, lose and there is more chance we will be running out in Russia rather than La Rochelle next term. Make no bones about it this is one tough assignment! Continuing this weeks food theme, choking on my sandwich as I read the team sheets over lunch at work yesterday was 50% it going the wrong way and 50% seeing Chiefs lineup. They have gone fully loaded for this game, and will be hurting from last week. Baxter is a DOR I admire hugely, some may not agree with his style, but it is accurate, forceful, explosive and highly highly effective. He knows how to get the best out of his team and do it with consistency...If only we could get him HQ bound! We alternatively have a pack struggling to assert their physical dominance, a line out that is misfiring, our fantastic 10 trying to find his form once more, a 12 that divides opinion, a high earner that never found his true potential with us, a young group of extremely talented players that are still finding their way and a coaching and playing group as a whole that have been unable to assert our game plan and style for long enough to dominate other teams and get those precious wins. When you compare and contrast this could be a very tough 80 minutes where we are shoved all over the park and will spend more time under our posts than Andrew Ridgeley spent in George Michael’s shadow!....Maybe with all this against us, it could actually turn for us? Oh! There goes my stomach again! Where’s that Gaviscon?
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
This is a huge game, win and top 6 is possible, lose and there is more chance we will be running out in Russia rather than La Rochelle next term. Make no bones about it this is one tough assignment! Continuing this weeks food theme, choking on my sandwich as I read the team sheets over lunch at work yesterday was 50% it going the wrong way and 50% seeing Chiefs lineup. They have gone fully loaded for this game, and will be hurting from last week. Baxter is a DOR I admire hugely, some may not agree with his style, but it is accurate, forceful, explosive and highly highly effective. He knows how to get the best out of his team and do it with consistency...If only we could get him HQ bound! We alternatively have a pack struggling to assert their physical dominance, a line out that is misfiring, our fantastic 10 trying to find his form once more, a 12 that divides opinion, a high earner that never found his true potential with us, a young group of extremely talented players that are still finding their way and a coaching and playing group as a whole that have been unable to assert our game plan and style for long enough to dominate other teams and get those precious wins. When you compare and contrast this could be a very tough 80 minutes where we are shoved all over the park and will spend more time under our posts than Andrew Ridgeley spent in George Michael’s shadow!....Maybe with all this against us, it could actually turn for us? Oh! There goes my stomach again! Where’s that Gaviscon?
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
75
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps v Clermont: Post match thoughts.
« on: April 03, 2021, 02:39:05 PM »
So near yet so far.
Proud but gutted.
Well it’s gutting, yet equally I thought we were on for a hammering today given our performances and form, but the lads stepped up. However when you play at this level mistakes hurt you, Minozzi not respecting the ball in the process of scoring, Kibirige brainless moment, Gopps -who should know better - seatbelt tackle when they were in Clarmont’s 22, Ogre’s lineout throws....these mistakes add up, and the end result is being out of Europe.
We will now see exactly what mentality and heart our team has. You either let this loss hurt you and your season, or you absorb it, retain the pain and vow never to let it happen again. They now have to put everything into getting into the top 6 and to go again next year..If they fail to do that and continue their poor form in the league than this loss will of been for nought.
Proud but gutted.
Well it’s gutting, yet equally I thought we were on for a hammering today given our performances and form, but the lads stepped up. However when you play at this level mistakes hurt you, Minozzi not respecting the ball in the process of scoring, Kibirige brainless moment, Gopps -who should know better - seatbelt tackle when they were in Clarmont’s 22, Ogre’s lineout throws....these mistakes add up, and the end result is being out of Europe.
We will now see exactly what mentality and heart our team has. You either let this loss hurt you and your season, or you absorb it, retain the pain and vow never to let it happen again. They now have to put everything into getting into the top 6 and to go again next year..If they fail to do that and continue their poor form in the league than this loss will of been for nought.