Always a Wasp
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61
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Supportive Tweet from Coveentry Rugby
« on: September 23, 2022, 08:39:54 PM »
Absolutely sums up how rugby is. Well done a Cov, and thankyou! It really does mean a lot in these difficult times.
62
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Morning All
« on: September 23, 2022, 07:21:13 AM »
Morning all from the Surrey countryside! Friday night games mean a day of work replaces my pre match ritual. Full to the rafters clinics awaits me with all of us at the surgery wondering how we manage the amount of patients to be seen. But at least we have coffee and the game!
I have to admit to not being overtly excited at all after this weeks news. The ongoing uncertainty with occasional comments from the club were frustrating, and now we sit on the verge of administration. It is time for the owners to put up or shut up and the clock is literally ticking. However what is happening to us and Worcester is simply a visible symptom of what is happening to rugby in England in general.
I will watch tonight’s game, I will cheer on the boys, but until we know exactly what is happening at our club this is a muted day of emotion for me.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
I have to admit to not being overtly excited at all after this weeks news. The ongoing uncertainty with occasional comments from the club were frustrating, and now we sit on the verge of administration. It is time for the owners to put up or shut up and the clock is literally ticking. However what is happening to us and Worcester is simply a visible symptom of what is happening to rugby in England in general.
I will watch tonight’s game, I will cheer on the boys, but until we know exactly what is happening at our club this is a muted day of emotion for me.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
63
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Wasps facing relegation
« on: September 21, 2022, 07:59:29 PM »
I am with Jamestaylor on this. In business is this an acceptable practice, or are we kicking the can down the road?
64
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Wasps facing relegation
« on: September 21, 2022, 05:43:43 PM »
A very sad state of affairs if confirmed. Very much incumbant on Wasps to release something now to inform us all. Makes Lol's comments only a couple of weeks back a little more perplexing.
We just have to wait and see.
And on a larger picture, if this is the case, is this a much larger issue with the ongoing viability of professional rugby as a whole in this country particularly?
Lots of questions!
We just have to wait and see.
And on a larger picture, if this is the case, is this a much larger issue with the ongoing viability of professional rugby as a whole in this country particularly?
Lots of questions!
65
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Morning All
« on: September 20, 2022, 07:01:37 AM »
Morning all! Back to the grindstone this morning, however a prem cup game tonight and our trip to Bath Friday makes the working week much more palatable.
Looking forward to seeing the wider squad and future first teamers performance tonight. I attest to missing the old Tetley bitter cup comp and todays prem cup is a shadow of that wonderful competition. However the young guns need a fast of top level rugby and until we get the A league back this is a good chance for them.
Go well today boys!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
Looking forward to seeing the wider squad and future first teamers performance tonight. I attest to missing the old Tetley bitter cup comp and todays prem cup is a shadow of that wonderful competition. However the young guns need a fast of top level rugby and until we get the A league back this is a good chance for them.
Go well today boys!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
66
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Monday Morning Mull.
« on: September 19, 2022, 04:54:28 PM »
Coaches are best when they set their team to manage the challenges that arise throughout the game. Half time can focus on reinforcing messages, motivation and guidance. But all the hours on the training field, selection of the squad and development of leaders should lead the way during the game.
Is the analysis staff with day in day out information, coaches/players as water boys resulting in micromanagement overload that is coaching instinct, independent thought, action and deed out of the game to the detriment of players ability to function as an individual and a team? Rugby is at its best when played for the simple joys that we all did when we first picked up the oval ball at our local club. A coach who can do the above whilst keeping that simple joy of why we all play the game rather than choke the life out of the sport through over-analysis and autocratic leadership may find success more easier to come by.
Is the analysis staff with day in day out information, coaches/players as water boys resulting in micromanagement overload that is coaching instinct, independent thought, action and deed out of the game to the detriment of players ability to function as an individual and a team? Rugby is at its best when played for the simple joys that we all did when we first picked up the oval ball at our local club. A coach who can do the above whilst keeping that simple joy of why we all play the game rather than choke the life out of the sport through over-analysis and autocratic leadership may find success more easier to come by.
67
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Monday Morning Mull.
« on: September 19, 2022, 09:59:00 AM »
The ratings -well Bobby's - are in, the match reports written, the post-match interviews complete, emotions tempered (somewhat) and views now look ahead to Friday night against Bath.
This is rapidly becoming an acid test for Lee and his coaches. One cannot deny that the building blocks are in place. Time together, training facilities right up there as some of the best available. But something is not clicking.
We can look to player turnover. Malaki, Gopps, Young Young leaving. However, were they really pulling up trees last season? The academy is starting to bear fruit, and that will take a few seasons to start establishing that conveyor belt of talent that will benefit us so much. But there is a core of players and leaders in this squad that should be doing better. To give up a 21-point lead one week, and then have a complete skill failure the next with over 20 turnovers of possession and 18 knock on's is a worry. In the premiership you give up chances and possession at your peril. 1 point from a possible 10 is fair reflection.
Catch, pass, kick. These should be part of the natural rhythm of any rugby player at this level, we are having to learn that all over. Last season was a worry in all 3, and it is still a headache today. Is this due to many years of mindless kick tennis, possibly. What should be an art form - accurate box kicking, kicking for touch to win the territory battle, catching a high ball rather than mindlessly slapping it back (sometimes) - has been gradually eroded. Rather than performed with the guile of an artists stroke of the brush it is more akin to a finger painting.
Lee is a nice guy, and we have a nice team. But look to your teams that garner success. Leicester with a Martin Johnson and recently Genge. Us with a certain LBND. Bath with Stuart Barnes. You need a rock, someone that carries an aura not only that reverberates around the training ground and changing room, but can also diminish even the most fervent opposition and their support. Add in a Soupcon of a coach like a Gatland, Edwards, Cockerill or a Borthwick who not only lead but inspire those to run through brick walls then you have a formula that a sport like rugby really needs. Would they tolerate one of their key lieutenants going off on a sojourn as we have with Mitchell and missing a whole preseason? I think we all know that answer. We need leaders on and off the field who are more likely to challenge you to an arm wrestle than shake your hand.
This Monday we sit at a crossroads, we are behind the 8 ball when we look towards at least 8 other teams in this league. It is not something that will change overnight, yet Friday has gained extra importance. Bath are, like us, struggling to find their own recipe for success, it is a battle at the bottom. This has become THAT moment for Lee and the lads to show us that we should be looking upwards come Saturday morning.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
This is rapidly becoming an acid test for Lee and his coaches. One cannot deny that the building blocks are in place. Time together, training facilities right up there as some of the best available. But something is not clicking.
We can look to player turnover. Malaki, Gopps, Young Young leaving. However, were they really pulling up trees last season? The academy is starting to bear fruit, and that will take a few seasons to start establishing that conveyor belt of talent that will benefit us so much. But there is a core of players and leaders in this squad that should be doing better. To give up a 21-point lead one week, and then have a complete skill failure the next with over 20 turnovers of possession and 18 knock on's is a worry. In the premiership you give up chances and possession at your peril. 1 point from a possible 10 is fair reflection.
Catch, pass, kick. These should be part of the natural rhythm of any rugby player at this level, we are having to learn that all over. Last season was a worry in all 3, and it is still a headache today. Is this due to many years of mindless kick tennis, possibly. What should be an art form - accurate box kicking, kicking for touch to win the territory battle, catching a high ball rather than mindlessly slapping it back (sometimes) - has been gradually eroded. Rather than performed with the guile of an artists stroke of the brush it is more akin to a finger painting.
Lee is a nice guy, and we have a nice team. But look to your teams that garner success. Leicester with a Martin Johnson and recently Genge. Us with a certain LBND. Bath with Stuart Barnes. You need a rock, someone that carries an aura not only that reverberates around the training ground and changing room, but can also diminish even the most fervent opposition and their support. Add in a Soupcon of a coach like a Gatland, Edwards, Cockerill or a Borthwick who not only lead but inspire those to run through brick walls then you have a formula that a sport like rugby really needs. Would they tolerate one of their key lieutenants going off on a sojourn as we have with Mitchell and missing a whole preseason? I think we all know that answer. We need leaders on and off the field who are more likely to challenge you to an arm wrestle than shake your hand.
This Monday we sit at a crossroads, we are behind the 8 ball when we look towards at least 8 other teams in this league. It is not something that will change overnight, yet Friday has gained extra importance. Bath are, like us, struggling to find their own recipe for success, it is a battle at the bottom. This has become THAT moment for Lee and the lads to show us that we should be looking upwards come Saturday morning.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp.
68
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Problem.
« on: September 17, 2022, 08:19:39 PM »
Atkinson did an awful lot right today, however no 10 worth his salt should be kicking like he is. I am surprised that Atkinson has reached this point and kicks so poorly. But also Jacob is not the most reliable off the tee either. It’s an Achilles heel we need to fix.
69
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps v Bristol: Post Match Thoughts.
« on: September 17, 2022, 05:00:38 PM »
Elliot Stooke in commentary today called it best.....'I am speechless'.
A comedy of errors
So much good and so much bad.
Where and how in the world do you start to dissect that. There was some really lovely stuff today, we were getting over the gain line, Tom Willis was absolutely immense. Barbeary worked hard, Cruise was solid, MacDonald and Launchers look great in the second row. Crossdale was an absolute threat with ball in hand.
But 18 handling errors! 18!!!.....I will say it once more.......
18!!!
It would be laughable, but this has cost us massively, 0 points.
Rugby is based upon small margins, but sometimes a litany of small margins cause big consequences.
Fair play to Bristol, under the pump. But did their homework and hit us hard. 2 first phase tries going through the 12-15 channels exposed the lack of unity and understanding in the back line. The backs look better, but they have a long long way to travel if we are hoping to get into the Champions cup next year. Big question marks also exist over our wide defence, it is porous and needs fixing.
Flats puts it best at the end of the game. "Wasps were miles off in terms of accuracy, concentration and execution".
2 games, 1 point. And to be fair none of us can say we deserve anything more.
If these 2 rounds do not serve as a rocket to our lads then nothing will.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
A comedy of errors
So much good and so much bad.
Where and how in the world do you start to dissect that. There was some really lovely stuff today, we were getting over the gain line, Tom Willis was absolutely immense. Barbeary worked hard, Cruise was solid, MacDonald and Launchers look great in the second row. Crossdale was an absolute threat with ball in hand.
But 18 handling errors! 18!!!.....I will say it once more.......
18!!!
It would be laughable, but this has cost us massively, 0 points.
Rugby is based upon small margins, but sometimes a litany of small margins cause big consequences.
Fair play to Bristol, under the pump. But did their homework and hit us hard. 2 first phase tries going through the 12-15 channels exposed the lack of unity and understanding in the back line. The backs look better, but they have a long long way to travel if we are hoping to get into the Champions cup next year. Big question marks also exist over our wide defence, it is porous and needs fixing.
Flats puts it best at the end of the game. "Wasps were miles off in terms of accuracy, concentration and execution".
2 games, 1 point. And to be fair none of us can say we deserve anything more.
If these 2 rounds do not serve as a rocket to our lads then nothing will.
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
70
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: September 17, 2022, 06:43:22 AM »
Morning all Waspies from a cool and calm Surrey hills! This is our first home game since the wife and I moved into our new house. But the pre match ritual of coffee and hound walking remains. The new seasons shirt is ready to be adorned and I simply cannot wait to see the lads run out in the black and gold at our stadium for the first home fixture of the new season.
Last weeks Jekyll and Hyde performance has made me nervous. We have a good squad that is growing in strength and depth, and it pleases me hugely that we are focusing on our academy and players are starting to come through. I truly believe long term success can only be achieved through a strong academy. But when we have a team that can throw away leads of over 20 points, go off the boil and lose structure and discipline then we know that is not a team that can achieve a Champions cup position let alone push for play offs a silverware.
Lee and the coaches have a lot to do, and the team a lot to prove. We need to start finding consistency in performance, keep our structure and discipline when momentum is against us and importantly convert leads into wins. For me this first half of the season is developing that, and try to push on for the second half from there. This is a battle of the mind as well as the body for our boys. Today against Briz is the start of this, a team themselves with high ambitions who will pose a huge threat.
It will be close, and even if we go out to a 30 point lead (unlikely) I will not feel comfortable. But the team has the ability to be better than it is.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
Last weeks Jekyll and Hyde performance has made me nervous. We have a good squad that is growing in strength and depth, and it pleases me hugely that we are focusing on our academy and players are starting to come through. I truly believe long term success can only be achieved through a strong academy. But when we have a team that can throw away leads of over 20 points, go off the boil and lose structure and discipline then we know that is not a team that can achieve a Champions cup position let alone push for play offs a silverware.
Lee and the coaches have a lot to do, and the team a lot to prove. We need to start finding consistency in performance, keep our structure and discipline when momentum is against us and importantly convert leads into wins. For me this first half of the season is developing that, and try to push on for the second half from there. This is a battle of the mind as well as the body for our boys. Today against Briz is the start of this, a team themselves with high ambitions who will pose a huge threat.
It will be close, and even if we go out to a 30 point lead (unlikely) I will not feel comfortable. But the team has the ability to be better than it is.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
71
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Gloucester v Wasps: Post Match Thoughts
« on: September 12, 2022, 09:58:09 AM »
I don’t think sir had any bearing in the game at all. He pressure came on and our discipline went. When momentum is against you the dominant team will win the majority of the pens.
I am more disappointed in the yellows. Both needless, especially Biyi’s. They were clearly going over so don’t sack the maul illegally as you give up 7 points and a player for 10 minutes. Yes conceding hurts, but no conversion is guaranteed, and when you are fighting with 14 men don’t make the task harder.
Of course there are positives and the first 40 showed that if we play well consistently we could be right up there come the play offs. However the second forty showed just how much work we have to do.
I am more disappointed in the yellows. Both needless, especially Biyi’s. They were clearly going over so don’t sack the maul illegally as you give up 7 points and a player for 10 minutes. Yes conceding hurts, but no conversion is guaranteed, and when you are fighting with 14 men don’t make the task harder.
Of course there are positives and the first 40 showed that if we play well consistently we could be right up there come the play offs. However the second forty showed just how much work we have to do.
72
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Lee's most important next signing.
« on: September 11, 2022, 09:31:08 PM »I thought psychologically nilling them at half time would really lift us. To put it in perspective if we go in in that first move of the second half I think we win. But we make a mistake and Glaws probably have the only player in the league who could go in from there. We’d lost our on field leader. Those are the fine margins. An interesting stat on the TV tonight was that the Prem has 11 teams from the 13 who have made the play offs in the last few years. It’s unheard of really. Shows how competitive the league is and that most games will be settled by minute margins.
And that is the point here. It should of lifted us....but it did not. we made a mistake and instead of being 28-0 up we were 21-5 up. Then compare and contrast. Glaws found a way to get the upper hand and win. They faced adversity and overcame it. We had a moment of misfortune and failed to break back. This is a game of the mind, and one we are currently failing.
73
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Lee's most important next signing.
« on: September 11, 2022, 09:27:19 PM »
I agree with VV. The pens, yellow cards, loss intensity...they are the end point. If we see them as the start point then we fail to identify the processes that led to them and cannot correct it.
74
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Lee's most important next signing.
« on: September 11, 2022, 08:31:56 PM »I can’t agree with that as well, what is lees job then. You telling me that we can’t get messages to the players, what was said at half time.
It was so obvious that Gloucester would have a different approach in the 2nd half, we had to up our game a couple of %. We started getting lazy, too slow at the breakdown, not getting our defensive line quickly enough. Look at our attitude in the first half. That is a coaching problem
His job is to find those people that can maximise the collective strength of the team. He has his place, but he cannot be everywhere and everything. However if he gets the right people in the right places then his tactical nouse and messages will land when they really need to.
75
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Lee's most important next signing.
« on: September 11, 2022, 08:27:56 PM »
The beauty of discussion is that we all have differing opinions. I have played too many games for too many years to simply say every single time one team does better than the other that the team losing is playing badly and the other playing well. It is simplistic and also does a disservice to the team in the ascendency. Nearly every game I keep seeing posts/reports/comments that the reason is due the aforementioned. Yes in some cases a team can play badly...but not all. Glos made errors in their plan and execution, but they were doing their best. We simply were better. In the second, we were trying our best, but due to Glos adjusting to the challenge and getting the ascendency and keeping it, they were better. Our weakness was we could not mentally overcome the challenge laid out for us. With a psychological strength comes a calm and unity in performance that can overcome the oppositions strengths. To be able to keep your head when everyone else is losing theres! We do not have that.......yet