Always a Wasp
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
16
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Allez, Allez, Allex blog meets Stephen and Lee
« on: June 01, 2022, 06:12:36 AM »17
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Cipriani on Edwards & England
« on: May 23, 2022, 09:39:16 PM »Quote
The fact that Shaun Edwards didn’t fit the RFUs culture or vision when he took the Wales job and still doesn’t to this day. Shows that the culture and vision is not aligned to growing or being successful. Do people change? Or change the people?As far as I’m aware Shaun’s objections to England was that they would give him a [4?] year contract? Which is odd because they’ve committed to Eddie for longer.
https://twitter.com/dannycipriani87/status/1528743558525722629?s=21&t=7MBCfl08CpgwyEcMv1jfFw
18
Wasps Rugby Discussion / EAs V Tiggers (Spoiler)
« on: March 05, 2022, 03:38:11 PM »
For lack of anything else to do I'm watching EAs. Not a bad game.
CMK has just yellow carded the Tiggers winger for diving in after a try had been scored. Good to see, its not punished enough.
CMK has just yellow carded the Tiggers winger for diving in after a try had been scored. Good to see, its not punished enough.
19
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Bears Match thread
« on: February 25, 2022, 06:07:48 PM »
I've just been on the Russian website and although it has the match their it throws me off when I click it. It might be too early.
I tried a couple of times with ToR but that won't connect to the site at all.
The Premier League app says their showing the game tonight but I can't find out where to sign up.
I tried a couple of times with ToR but that won't connect to the site at all.
The Premier League app says their showing the game tonight but I can't find out where to sign up.
20
Wasps Rugby Discussion / T'other games this weekend wi t'spoilers
« on: February 18, 2022, 08:19:43 PM »
Nice touch at Worcester in memory of Jack Jeffrey. Personally I prefer a minute's silence but accept I'm an old fuddy duddy and a minute's clap is the modern way.
21
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Nathan Hughes to switch allegiances from England as No8 turns down recall....
« on: February 12, 2022, 08:11:01 PM »
.... and instead targets 2023 World Cup [for Fiji]
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/17630821/nathan-hughes-switch-allegiances-england-world-cup/
OK its the Sun and looking at who is ahead of him its doubtful he'd get that recall although with Eddie its anyone guess, but interesting story nonetheless.
I thought he had the best game I've seen him play for quite some time today, not that I've seen that many. He looked quite sharp and hungry.
I wish him well with the endeavour.
Edit: H/T Rugby Inside Line on Twatter
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/17630821/nathan-hughes-switch-allegiances-england-world-cup/
OK its the Sun and looking at who is ahead of him its doubtful he'd get that recall although with Eddie its anyone guess, but interesting story nonetheless.
I thought he had the best game I've seen him play for quite some time today, not that I've seen that many. He looked quite sharp and hungry.
I wish him well with the endeavour.
Edit: H/T Rugby Inside Line on Twatter
22
Wasps Rugby Discussion / The Story of Rugby - Amazon Prime
« on: November 12, 2021, 11:44:51 AM »
I've just started watching it and it shows promise. Looks well made with high production standards and features a lot of famous rugby players, including Lol.
I don't normally sit and watch TV other then games but I'll be making an exception for this based on what I've just seen.
I don't normally sit and watch TV other then games but I'll be making an exception for this based on what I've just seen.
23
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Bristol V Bath - Spoiler
« on: October 01, 2021, 09:04:56 PM »
Not one for the purists but great entertainment.
Bath's 3rd try is worth tracking down if you haven't seen it.
Bath's 3rd try is worth tracking down if you haven't seen it.
24
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Tom Cruse - 100th Appearance
« on: September 25, 2021, 06:07:43 PM »
For those who haven’t seen it, quite moving:
https://twitter.com/btsportrugby/status/1441766190515462145?s=21
https://twitter.com/btsportrugby/status/1441766190515462145?s=21
25
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Premiership Squad Sizes
« on: September 10, 2021, 04:46:52 PM »
Interesting Tweet from @BathRugby
Edit: H/T @rugbyinsideline
Quote
Latest data, net increases/(decreases) in 1st XV squad sizes, end 2020/1 to start 2021/2Doesn’t bode well on the injury front as players get more game time.
Bath (5)
Bristol 2
Exeter (5)
Gloucester (7)
Harlequins (4)
Leicester (6)
London Irish 0
Newcastle (4)
Northampton (5)
Sale 0
Saracens (6)
Wasps (3)
Worcester (7)
13 Premiership clubs (50)
https://twitter.com/rugbybath/status/1436041822623645696?s=21
Edit: H/T @rugbyinsideline
Quote
Less for the salary cap; fewer players available for clubs.
Could see academies tested more than ever this season.
https://twitter.com/rugbyinsideline/status/1436316907305644036?s=21
27
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Jack on The Ruck podcast
« on: June 07, 2021, 09:45:40 PM »
Talking about:
Injuries and recovering alone and with team mates
The come back and his brother’s role - and what Lee said
Why this season has been tough - the emotion of last season plus short break
Who should be in the England squad, little bother obviously, but a few more
Kyle Sinkler - he helped Jack in England camp
Plus other useful insights
He’s fast becoming quite a pundit.
Injuries and recovering alone and with team mates
The come back and his brother’s role - and what Lee said
Why this season has been tough - the emotion of last season plus short break
Who should be in the England squad, little bother obviously, but a few more
Kyle Sinkler - he helped Jack in England camp
Plus other useful insights
He’s fast becoming quite a pundit.
28
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Wasps, Quo Vadis?
« on: April 30, 2021, 07:51:29 AM »
Wombles made a comment on the Hummel thread that crystallised something I've been thinking about for a while:
Its become obvious that Derek has a medium to long term vision, not just for the Rugby team but for Wasps as a brand/club and is prepared to invest in the people who will develop and deliver that vision. The men's rugby team has to be the foundations for that vision so it would be interesting to know how he sees it going.
When Lee was appointed he must have sat down with Derek and Stephen to discuss that vision and the role the men's rugby team is going to play in delivering it. Does Derek want to see an Exeter approach of building a team based around local talent with outsiders brought in where necessary and take a long term approach or a Bristol/Sarries approach where instant success is needed and, within limits, money is no object? (In Sarries' case there seems to have been no monetary limits either)
Did they discuss the style that they they want the rugby team to play? Is winning more important than style? Presumably this will be reflected in to the women's game and netball?
Obviously Covid has had an impact but I can't see it changing a vision, perhaps the timescales and financial resources.
FWIW, looking at the investments to date I think Derek wants to see a team built around Wasps developed players and that the Academy is going to be the pipeline, with the odd star or senior players brought in where needed. That strikes me as the best way to build a brand and loyal fan base, rather than a fickle fan base that's only there for the wins and will disappear in bad times. It also strikes me as the more financially sound approach.
I also think from what Lee has said that its not going to be all throwing the ball around with gay abandon with the motto that we'll score more than them. Attack and free flowing rugby based on a solid forwards platform appears to be the approach, but obviously there are trade-offs, especially with salary caps either imposed from the outside or because of financial constraints.
Its a shame the club is so coy about sharing the vision (unless I've missed something), I think whatever it is it will generate more loyalty and understanding in the fan base and make for more informed discussions on here and elsewhere
Quote
Although the on field performances have struggled this season, there is good things happening. Training facility, sponsorship, stadium development, new -odd named - bar.....Could be worse!
Its become obvious that Derek has a medium to long term vision, not just for the Rugby team but for Wasps as a brand/club and is prepared to invest in the people who will develop and deliver that vision. The men's rugby team has to be the foundations for that vision so it would be interesting to know how he sees it going.
When Lee was appointed he must have sat down with Derek and Stephen to discuss that vision and the role the men's rugby team is going to play in delivering it. Does Derek want to see an Exeter approach of building a team based around local talent with outsiders brought in where necessary and take a long term approach or a Bristol/Sarries approach where instant success is needed and, within limits, money is no object? (In Sarries' case there seems to have been no monetary limits either)
Did they discuss the style that they they want the rugby team to play? Is winning more important than style? Presumably this will be reflected in to the women's game and netball?
Obviously Covid has had an impact but I can't see it changing a vision, perhaps the timescales and financial resources.
FWIW, looking at the investments to date I think Derek wants to see a team built around Wasps developed players and that the Academy is going to be the pipeline, with the odd star or senior players brought in where needed. That strikes me as the best way to build a brand and loyal fan base, rather than a fickle fan base that's only there for the wins and will disappear in bad times. It also strikes me as the more financially sound approach.
I also think from what Lee has said that its not going to be all throwing the ball around with gay abandon with the motto that we'll score more than them. Attack and free flowing rugby based on a solid forwards platform appears to be the approach, but obviously there are trade-offs, especially with salary caps either imposed from the outside or because of financial constraints.
Its a shame the club is so coy about sharing the vision (unless I've missed something), I think whatever it is it will generate more loyalty and understanding in the fan base and make for more informed discussions on here and elsewhere
29
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Now what?
« on: April 03, 2021, 06:18:29 PM »
When it was announced that there wouldn't be any relegation this season someone started a thread asking what our ambitions should be. In those heady days there was talk of top 2, definitely top 4, with some of the more pessimistic/realistic saying Heineken Cup.
With 7 games to go top 4 doesn't realistic, 14 points behind Quins, and top 6 looks like a challenge, 9 points behind Irish. The run in is:
Chiefs (A)
Bath (H)
Quins (A)
Wuss (H)
Saints (A)
Irish (A)
Tigers (H)
Tigers and Bath stand between us and Irish and Saints are 1 point ahead of Irish. I haven't looked at the other teams' fixtures but there aren't any easy games in any year, this year seems especially difficult as home advantage isn't what it usually is.
I reckon we need to win 5 out of those 7 plus a few bonus points if we're going to make the HC next year. Chiefs and Quins are going to be tough so that means they have to target the rest of the games for wins, BP wins preferably while shutting out the opposition.
Its going to be tough but we really need HC games next year to get the Ricoh tills ringing.
With 7 games to go top 4 doesn't realistic, 14 points behind Quins, and top 6 looks like a challenge, 9 points behind Irish. The run in is:
Chiefs (A)
Bath (H)
Quins (A)
Wuss (H)
Saints (A)
Irish (A)
Tigers (H)
Tigers and Bath stand between us and Irish and Saints are 1 point ahead of Irish. I haven't looked at the other teams' fixtures but there aren't any easy games in any year, this year seems especially difficult as home advantage isn't what it usually is.
I reckon we need to win 5 out of those 7 plus a few bonus points if we're going to make the HC next year. Chiefs and Quins are going to be tough so that means they have to target the rest of the games for wins, BP wins preferably while shutting out the opposition.
Its going to be tough but we really need HC games next year to get the Ricoh tills ringing.
30
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Penalties, tries and penalty tries
« on: March 28, 2021, 02:24:39 PM »
There was two incidences of something I've been wondering about for some time over the weekend.
On Friday a French player kicked through and was tackled off the ball, he managed to stumble just enough to ground the ball. The ref asked for TV replay to check the grounding and said if it wasn't grounded it was going to be a penalty try and yellow card. The grounding was good but it was in the corner and the kick was missed. If he hadn't grounded the ball the French would have been 2 points better off. Although it didn't affect the final score it might have affected the way Scotland approached closing the points deficit.
In our game the opposite happened. The ref gave a try but on checking it wasn't one, so penalty try and yellow card. Again it was in the corner and the kick may have been missed if the try had been awarded and that probably would have affected the final score.
My thoughts are that if a penalty is awarded in the act of scoring that would have led to a penalty try if they hadn't scored, should the attacking team be awarded the conversion, no matter where the try was scored?
Is this this is an area that needs addressing is there a better solution? I think it is, but I'm interested in what others who think more deeply about the game think because changes like this have unintended consequences
On Friday a French player kicked through and was tackled off the ball, he managed to stumble just enough to ground the ball. The ref asked for TV replay to check the grounding and said if it wasn't grounded it was going to be a penalty try and yellow card. The grounding was good but it was in the corner and the kick was missed. If he hadn't grounded the ball the French would have been 2 points better off. Although it didn't affect the final score it might have affected the way Scotland approached closing the points deficit.
In our game the opposite happened. The ref gave a try but on checking it wasn't one, so penalty try and yellow card. Again it was in the corner and the kick may have been missed if the try had been awarded and that probably would have affected the final score.
My thoughts are that if a penalty is awarded in the act of scoring that would have led to a penalty try if they hadn't scored, should the attacking team be awarded the conversion, no matter where the try was scored?
Is this this is an area that needs addressing is there a better solution? I think it is, but I'm interested in what others who think more deeply about the game think because changes like this have unintended consequences