Wasps to 'make changes' for Saracens after Exeter Chiefs exertions

[Rossm]

Bobby Bridge reports:

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/rugby/wasps-exeter-chiefs-lee-blackett-21882444

[Shugs]

Trying to work out what rotation is possible. From front to back West could come in at LH and Millar-Mills at TH. Who knows at hooker! Cardall and De Chaves at lock? Back row Morris and Carr could come in. I can't see Umaga or Robson coming out. Centres will have to stay the same unless Simonds gets a go and back three will be retained I think. We're yet to see Mehson who is an option but I wouldn't think any of Bassett, Watson, Crossdale or Kibirige need a rest yet.

[JonnyD]

What do we think now after how Sarries demolished Bath.
Of course we cannot write off any game but going after Bath the week after and then Quins at home after that are far more winnable then Sarries away next week.
We played a massively rotated team there last year and won - maybe we do that again.

Jeff, Stooke/Fifita, Shields, Willis, Dobby and Umaga/Jimmy could all do with a bit of protection for this one.

I’d hope Millar-Mills/Alo/Scholtz, De Chaves, Cardall, Morris, Nemo, Simonds and McHenry to feature more this week - maybe a chance for Curran who played so well last time against Sarries, Woolstencroft hasn’t featured yet either.

[InBetweenWasp]

I'm disappointed to read this from Lee.  I kind of get why we should rotate and/or rest players especially with a heavy injury list but it feels like we're throwing in the towel to Saracens when we're actually on a pretty good run of form when it comes to performances.

Defence and physicality for us both look good - We've historically struggled to compete with the likes of Chiefs before and went toe-to-toe and came off alright. 

The 17-71 result yesterday was as much as result due to Bath's problems off and on the pitch as it was Saracens dominance.

I'd be wanting to have a crack.

Let's see if Eddie magically waves the Vunipola's and George back into the squad this week.  Without them, Faz, Itoje and George and Daly still injured they're a more beatable team.

[Rossm]

I don't think Lee is given to throwing in the towel and I'm sure Mitch certainly isn't. It's easier to say you're going to rotate the squad than not to rotate. Gives you more flexibility when selecting.

[Raggs]

Last time we rotated against them we won right?

[wasps]

We're close to 2nd choice XV anyway.
We know we've got lots of fantastic players to come into the team over the coming weeks / months so we don't necessarily have to rotate everyone out

However, by saying that we'll rest / rotate it means that JTA, Shields or Dobby could have a week off without raising too many eyebrows.



I wouldn't be surprised to see 18-20 of this weeks 23 feature against Saracens

[Horusthewasp]

I'm disappointed to read this from Lee.  I kind of get why we should rotate and/or rest players especially with a heavy injury list but it feels like we're throwing in the towel to Saracens when we're actually on a pretty good run of form when it comes to performances.

I get your point but it’s a necessary approach given our injury list and where we are in the season so far … but realistically speaking there’s very limited scope for rotating anyway. Last weekend we showed some immense spirit with a team sprinkled with new recruits, young talent and an ever changing centre pairings & FB. With 2 key (winnable) games after this weekend followed by the PR Cup ‘break’, rotating this week has merit.

And let’s not forget what happened on 5th September 2020 …

[JonnyD]

My common sense says start Hougaard this week but after Dan’s England omission he’ll be fired up to play!

[St Bruno]

"And let’s not forget what happened on 5th September 2020 …"

or indeed on 14th February 2016....

[NellyWellyWaspy]

My common sense says start Hougaard this week but after Dan’s England omission he’ll be fired up to play!

When Dan went off, his tanks were completely empty. He could probably do with a rest.

[Shugs]

Assuming no new injuries I'd go with:

West
Cruse
Scholtz
Cardall
Stooke
Morris
Young
Carr
Hougaard
Umaga
Bassett
Le Bourgeois
McHenry
Kibirige
Crossdale

Hislop
Harrison
JTA
De Chavez
Willis
Porter
Gopperth
Watson

[Chunky24]

Minozzi on one of the wings, he was mentioned as back in contention for this week.

[InBetweenWasp]

Minozzi on one of the wings, he was mentioned as back in contention for this week.

Wasn’t it back to running in training this week rather than playing contention?

ETA: You’re right Chuny24, my bad.  First week back training but in contention for Sarries.

Is Simonds not fit - thought he didn't look out of place which is pretty impressive considering he was playing against England's 13.

[Chunky24]

Minozzi on one of the wings, he was mentioned as back in contention for this week.

Wasn’t it back to running in training this week rather than playing contention?

Contention to play according to this

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/rugby/wasps-rugby-injury-updates-frost-21881778#ICID=Android_CoventryTelegraphNewsApp_AppShare