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481
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Morning all!
« on: October 10, 2020, 07:19:41 AM »
Morning to all wasps near and far from a calm and peaceful Guildford. I am up, and feeling like a child on Christmas morning, with all the anticipation of running downstairs to be met with the glorious site of the Christmas tree lit and it’s festive lights reflecting magnificently off the presents below. Yet like Christmas where you wait until after lunch is devoured to tear excitedly into the gifts with the family, so must we wait for what promises to be one of the most exciting set of semi finals witnessed for quite some time. I will sooth my nerves with coffee and hound waking in the Surrey hills, but come 1:30 the edge of the sofa is reserved for witnessing high class drama unfold.
When you look at the teams there are match ups everywhere. Normally I would highlight one or 2, say Fekitoa v Radradra. Or Hughes v Shields. How about Earles v Young? Or how will Sheedy go with the support of Uren and S.Piatau Compared to Jacob with Robson and Jimmy supporting him? There are so many subplots it could fill a years worth of storylines for a Eastenders script writer, yet we are about to see it compressed into an 80 minute action movie!
I truely cannot call this fixture. If we were there filling the stadium it would mean so much. However Lee et al have the players playing with a smile on their faces, they are expressing themselves, playing heads up rugby and building a counter attacking, broken field game that the ABs themselves would be proud of, however importantly they are doing this whilst also building and improving on a solid set piece and defence which will be needed just as much to counter the fantastic threats Bristol have in their armoury. They need no motivation, putting on the black and gold will be enough. But playing for themselves, playing for each other and playing for us supporters who all wish we could be there for them should serve as the fuel to superpower them even more. So on semi final game day.........................
COME ON YOU WASPS!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
When you look at the teams there are match ups everywhere. Normally I would highlight one or 2, say Fekitoa v Radradra. Or Hughes v Shields. How about Earles v Young? Or how will Sheedy go with the support of Uren and S.Piatau Compared to Jacob with Robson and Jimmy supporting him? There are so many subplots it could fill a years worth of storylines for a Eastenders script writer, yet we are about to see it compressed into an 80 minute action movie!
I truely cannot call this fixture. If we were there filling the stadium it would mean so much. However Lee et al have the players playing with a smile on their faces, they are expressing themselves, playing heads up rugby and building a counter attacking, broken field game that the ABs themselves would be proud of, however importantly they are doing this whilst also building and improving on a solid set piece and defence which will be needed just as much to counter the fantastic threats Bristol have in their armoury. They need no motivation, putting on the black and gold will be enough. But playing for themselves, playing for each other and playing for us supporters who all wish we could be there for them should serve as the fuel to superpower them even more. So on semi final game day.........................
COME ON YOU WASPS!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
482
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Morning All
« on: October 04, 2020, 08:09:59 AM »
Morning Neils, Shugs, VV and all Waspies from a thoroughly irrigated Guildford! Morning routine is underway and just about to put on my snorkel and flippers and head to the shop to get the rugby paper and buy a dip dab (I may be 40 but I still love that lolly and sherbet treat that I used to buy from the local new agents after getting off the school bus back in the early 90’s).
I feel quietly confident about today, Baxter has been as good as his word -he always is in my humble opinion- and fielded a wider squad team. As he has said Exeter have earned the right and have a European final to contend. However for us we need to treat what may be the next 3 games as a test series and pick what we believe is our strongest XV. The key words for the boys is confidence not complacency! sharks showed us what that can do and it is a lesson well learnt. I have also noted that we have struggled against a blitz defence and highly competitive breakdown that slows ruck ball. I love our style of play, but if Umaga is finding the defence on top of him a la Sale and Quins before the red card a more pragmatic style is needed to overcome this, either sit back and start to push the oppo into their own half from well placed kicks, force them onto their heals with chips over the onrushing defence, a few pick and gos (well supported of course) to draw in the defence, or play behind the 10 forcing the defence to play a wider game that may open up space from a clever change of line from players such as Fekitoa or the back 3.
We know any of Baxter’s teams will be well drilled, and clinical in the 22, thus our first objective should be to keep them out of their with a solid defence and tight discipline. Make them work from their own half and slowly turn the screw...it will not be easy but if we can do this, and most importantly as Lee says, just enjoy our rugby, then we can establish faster ruck ball and impose our fast attacking game.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
I feel quietly confident about today, Baxter has been as good as his word -he always is in my humble opinion- and fielded a wider squad team. As he has said Exeter have earned the right and have a European final to contend. However for us we need to treat what may be the next 3 games as a test series and pick what we believe is our strongest XV. The key words for the boys is confidence not complacency! sharks showed us what that can do and it is a lesson well learnt. I have also noted that we have struggled against a blitz defence and highly competitive breakdown that slows ruck ball. I love our style of play, but if Umaga is finding the defence on top of him a la Sale and Quins before the red card a more pragmatic style is needed to overcome this, either sit back and start to push the oppo into their own half from well placed kicks, force them onto their heals with chips over the onrushing defence, a few pick and gos (well supported of course) to draw in the defence, or play behind the 10 forcing the defence to play a wider game that may open up space from a clever change of line from players such as Fekitoa or the back 3.
We know any of Baxter’s teams will be well drilled, and clinical in the 22, thus our first objective should be to keep them out of their with a solid defence and tight discipline. Make them work from their own half and slowly turn the screw...it will not be easy but if we can do this, and most importantly as Lee says, just enjoy our rugby, then we can establish faster ruck ball and impose our fast attacking game.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
483
Wasps Rugby Discussion / I am excited!
« on: October 03, 2020, 09:03:07 PM »
(Posted on drunkenwasps but I want to share with all my Waspie brethren on here as well)
This is a thread for positivity and excitement (lord knows there are enough of the other kind knocking about the interweb currently) but I AM ABSOLUTELY EXCITED like a child on Christmas Eve about tomorrow! Yes I would love to be at the Ricoh with you all having a beer or 3, a pie that will repeat on me into the early hours of Sunday morning (thanks mum for genetically passing on reflux to me) and that WILL happen again! But tomorrow is game day and we are Donning our black and gold armour and tilting our jousts at Exeter’s chiefs with the opportunity to get into the play offs of what is arguably the best domestic rugby union league in the world! I have my oddballs boxers, wasps socks and game day shirt ready to go, my pregame ritual of coffee, rugby paper and walking the hound in the beautiful Surrey hills prior to the game, a roast dinner to enjoy with the wife and then seeing our lads given their all in the hallowed black and gold....whilst sharing in our pre match morning all and excitement, plus post game analysis on here with fellow Waspies! It does not get better than this, and after the first 10 games where just getting to the top 6 seemed fanciful, to have hopes and dreams of seeing our boys get in with a shout of lifting the premiership trophy over their heads like we witnessed with Dallaglio et al in 2008 is phenomenal (and what a day at HQ and in the patch after that!)
Tonight, tomorrow and going forward is all about being positive! Who’s with me?
COME ON YOU WASPS!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
This is a thread for positivity and excitement (lord knows there are enough of the other kind knocking about the interweb currently) but I AM ABSOLUTELY EXCITED like a child on Christmas Eve about tomorrow! Yes I would love to be at the Ricoh with you all having a beer or 3, a pie that will repeat on me into the early hours of Sunday morning (thanks mum for genetically passing on reflux to me) and that WILL happen again! But tomorrow is game day and we are Donning our black and gold armour and tilting our jousts at Exeter’s chiefs with the opportunity to get into the play offs of what is arguably the best domestic rugby union league in the world! I have my oddballs boxers, wasps socks and game day shirt ready to go, my pregame ritual of coffee, rugby paper and walking the hound in the beautiful Surrey hills prior to the game, a roast dinner to enjoy with the wife and then seeing our lads given their all in the hallowed black and gold....whilst sharing in our pre match morning all and excitement, plus post game analysis on here with fellow Waspies! It does not get better than this, and after the first 10 games where just getting to the top 6 seemed fanciful, to have hopes and dreams of seeing our boys get in with a shout of lifting the premiership trophy over their heads like we witnessed with Dallaglio et al in 2008 is phenomenal (and what a day at HQ and in the patch after that!)
Tonight, tomorrow and going forward is all about being positive! Who’s with me?
COME ON YOU WASPS!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
484
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Morning All
« on: September 28, 2020, 07:43:57 AM »
Morning Codds, NWW and all Waspies from a cool and pleasant Guildford. Monday’s in General practice, especially now cold and flu season is off and running, tend to be a very busy day, but to have a cracking and important fixture against Quins to look forward to certainly helps!
With positions 2-5 being so tight getting a win at the Stoop is a must this evening. Quins are no pushovers and have enough power and quality to get the win as well so we must go full bore for the whole 80 for this one, and if possible try to get a TBP victory and 5 points. Normally 61 points gets you into the playoffs, however this year 70 should be our aim. IF we can get 71 (no means feet as our game tonight will be very difficult and Chiefs will be a huge challenge no matter who they put out) then a home semi final is there as reward no matter the other results. The weather will be calm, dry and a pleasant 16-17 degrees at Twickers this evening, perfect for running rugby. What a cracking week we have coming up and by Sunday evening we will know who will be challenging Exeter in the play offs! Have a great day everyone!
Come on you Wasps!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
With positions 2-5 being so tight getting a win at the Stoop is a must this evening. Quins are no pushovers and have enough power and quality to get the win as well so we must go full bore for the whole 80 for this one, and if possible try to get a TBP victory and 5 points. Normally 61 points gets you into the playoffs, however this year 70 should be our aim. IF we can get 71 (no means feet as our game tonight will be very difficult and Chiefs will be a huge challenge no matter who they put out) then a home semi final is there as reward no matter the other results. The weather will be calm, dry and a pleasant 16-17 degrees at Twickers this evening, perfect for running rugby. What a cracking week we have coming up and by Sunday evening we will know who will be challenging Exeter in the play offs! Have a great day everyone!
Come on you Wasps!!!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
485
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Game Comments
« on: September 13, 2020, 02:31:50 PM »
Briz seconds easily dispatched, but all their tries came from errors on our part, either defensive lapses, missed tackles or ill discipline. I am really pleased with the 5 points and now qualification for the play offs is in our hands, but intensity, accuracy and discipline have to be tightened up on. Well done to our boys though!
486
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Game Comments
« on: September 13, 2020, 02:01:21 PM »
Accuracy wobbling once more....you cannot fly out of the defensive line to try to get a ball that was never on for an intercept as all you leave is a hole to run through and score.
487
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Game Comments
« on: September 13, 2020, 01:24:39 PM »
Score at the death, but ‘must do better’ should be on the report card for the second 20.
488
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Game Comments
« on: September 13, 2020, 01:18:24 PM »
Now that is just shocking defence, dropping off tackles, intensity gone to pot....games are not won in twenty minutes and Bristol rightly back in this.
489
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Game Comments
« on: September 13, 2020, 01:15:10 PM »
Great score Malins. We have switched off a touch and Bristol have grown into the game.
490
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Game Comments
« on: September 13, 2020, 01:12:54 PM »
Launchers likely just not taking a risk, big games ahead so no need to push niggles and strains too far. We have lost intensity and accuracy though and need to get it back.
491
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Game Comments
« on: September 13, 2020, 01:04:27 PM »
Defence solid except having to scramble in the wider channels. Need to up our intensity once again.
492
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Game Comments
« on: September 13, 2020, 12:52:22 PM »
What a first opening 20....we just have to keep going and going for the full 80 even if the result is beyond a doubt.
493
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Morning All
« on: September 13, 2020, 08:03:10 AM »
Good morning Neils, NWW, Neils, Marley and to all Waspies from a warm, sunny and fresh Guildford. Rugby paper, coffee and hound stroll are the order of the day before watching our lads take on the Bears at the Ricoh!
It is clear that Pat Lam has an eye on Europe with his team selection. Top 6 and winning the challenge cup was his aim for his charges this season and with the 1/4 final on the horizon his team reflect that decision. We on the other hand have rightly gone full bore for this one, we have a 2 week rest after this game before taking on Quins and a Chiefs, so to get a win and hopefully 5 points against a top 4 challenger would be of huge significance for qualifying for the play offs, and after10 rounds this season who would of been considering this? However Bristols 23 will be a challenge, we cannot afford to be complacent or otherwise it will be they who take the spoils.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
It is clear that Pat Lam has an eye on Europe with his team selection. Top 6 and winning the challenge cup was his aim for his charges this season and with the 1/4 final on the horizon his team reflect that decision. We on the other hand have rightly gone full bore for this one, we have a 2 week rest after this game before taking on Quins and a Chiefs, so to get a win and hopefully 5 points against a top 4 challenger would be of huge significance for qualifying for the play offs, and after10 rounds this season who would of been considering this? However Bristols 23 will be a challenge, we cannot afford to be complacent or otherwise it will be they who take the spoils.
Come on you Wasps!
Chris
Once a Wasp ALWAYS a Wasp!
494
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Wasps 20/21 off field clothing
« on: September 12, 2020, 07:58:13 AM »
I have noticed On TV the coaches wearing a black jacket - I think soft shell - with the UA and Wasps badge sitting higher up the jacket than is considered traditional, but is one I will definitely be buying if they release it, which they hopefully will do.
495
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Teams up for Brizz.
« on: September 11, 2020, 03:31:11 PM »
Complacency should be the watch word flying around the Ricoh and the training ground this week, and should be reinforced further from today. It is easy to mentally relax, and that is when any team with any selection can turn you over. We have to hit the ground running as any team managed by Lam will be a threat! However get this right and a win and we will have made play off qualifying much more likely!!! Whelm is already huge and its only Friday!!!!