The 'massive gamble' that paid off for Wasps head coach Lee Blackett

[Rossm]

Lee 'fesses up

Report by Bobby Bridge:

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/rugby/sale-sharks-wasps-lee-blackett-19527367

[Horusthewasp]

“And we gave our boys seven days off, we went one [training] session into this game. It was a massive gamble. I don't think I would've admitted it if we'd lost here. It was a massive gamble.”

Impressive. Blackett proves more and more to be an astute HC who is rugby smart, understands his squad and knows how to take calculated risks that many in his position would shy away from. He has the courage of his convictions.

There’s no doubt this attitude is filtering down to the other coaches and throughout the squad which is allowing us to play with flair, confidence and self belief. Well done Lee!

[MarleyWasp]

Also adds weight to the argument that players can be over-coached...

[Shugs]

Was noticeable how we grew into the game the longer it went. Less fatigued?

[Raggs]

Was noticeable how we grew into the game the longer it went. Less fatigued?

I'd say we needed the time on the pitch to get the timings right if we'd not trained.

[Heathen]

Was noticeable how we grew into the game the longer it went. Less fatigued?

I'd say we needed the time on the pitch to get the timings right if we'd not trained.

+1

[Mellie]

It is noticeable how the intensity in Wasps play has increased from the first couple of Prem games. With a bit more time together the accuracy will improve too.

[Heathen]

Given how little time off the players have had, since last season restarted, they need every day off that they can get. There could be serious player fatigue by the end of the current season.

That's why squad rotation will be critical.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

I think it would be a 'good' idea for the amount of full on training between games to be kept minimal. We looked a lot fitter than the Sale starters yesterday, which makes me wonder. I know Dimes is/was on record as saying that he preferred minimal contact training for players who had played most of the game where there was a one week turnaround, but I wonder if his replacement has gone back to the traditional 2-3 mornings of contact training? Some of them looked so tired after 40-50 minutes.

[Bloke in North Dorset]

I think it would be a 'good' idea for the amount of full on training between games to be kept minimal. We looked a lot fitter than the Sale starters yesterday, which makes me wonder. I know Dimes is/was on record as saying that he preferred minimal contact training for players who had played most of the game where there was a one week turnaround, but I wonder if his replacement has gone back to the traditional 2-3 mornings of contact training? Some of them looked so tired after 40-50 minutes.

That's a good point about contact training.

I can't remember the exact wording so I'm paraphrasing but in the latest Any Sting Goes podcast they talk about how good it was to have the minimal training and quick turn arounds for games and how much they enjoyed it. They all seemed a lot fitter at the end of those games and a couple of the victories came from them having reserves at the end of the game.

[Shugs]

I think squad rotation is firmly in Blackett's mind. Coming off last lockdown in terms of players we could reliably field now that had had no or little game time prior to it I can think of Atkinson, Porter, Barbeary, Curran, Simonds, Spink and Douglas. With Odogwu adapting at 13 that gives up options there. That amount of "extra" options will be a massive help throughout the season.

[hookender]

Actually quite an astute move when you think about it. Considering time of year, to give all players time off allows backroom staff to take a bit of a Xmas break ,from coaches , cooks ,kit man, even cleaners .All good for a bit of a good feel factor.

Then it allows Lee to know he hasn’t got to juggle players each week especially if someone goes injured and the best replacement has just started time off.

Finally the best bit for me is , considering the current situation, it’s almost a self isolation period against passing on the virus.

Nelly, you could be right about Sale overtraining . Deacon is quoted in the mail as saying ‘training intensity has been good’.