With a handful of doom mongers already casting their woes around like the end of the world is nigh the reality of the situation is that we are just two games into a season where we have had to take a massive step up in class. Yes hopes were high after the opening day win over Worcester but the lads are on a steep learning curve and as the coaches have stated do not expect too much too soon and we do have to expect some pitfalls along the way. And for those serial moaners out there, yes you have had a season with very little to whinge about but in the short term at least can you give it a rest till the teams bedded in and we know exactly what the future holds. Till then just go back to moaning about the price of petrol to keep your arm in.
 
But for one man though the result might have been very different and those people might not have so much to moan about. I mentioned in last weeks column that Jonny Wilkinson, if fit, might be the difference between the sides, I just wish he had not taken me quite so much to my word. In all honesty though Saints could have had it wrapped up by halftime but the loss shows there is still work to do and in the big scheme of things and in the long run maybe not such a bad thing to happen this early in the season. Certainly no reason to push any panic buttons just yet.
 
WASPS
 
Another big step along that learning curve comes on Saturday at the Gardens against High Wycombe Wasps. Looking at the fixture list over the summer as an early game this was the one I was least looking forward too. The champions coming to town with a full squad not devoid of any internationals yet looked ominous. I thought we would be taught a lesson and dent any early confidence we may have built up. As things have panned out over the last two weeks though I am quite looking forward to their visit.
 
Wasps find themselves on somewhat of a learning curve too and this might just be the right time to play them. In the post-Dallaglio era they find themselves played two lost two and given their status and players, unlike us, the alarm bells are already starting to ring. Whether its filling that void that Dallaglio left that is the problem is debatable but reading their match reports it sounds like they are a team of individuals and in need of someone to galvanise them together as a unit.
 
Added to that it has been mentioned in various places, even before the season started, that Wasps might also struggle to come to terms with not only some of the ELV's but the tidying up of the contact area, that had been central to Wasps very successful game. The way the game has changed might be doing them no favours. What teams have struggled to contain for the last few years the law book has. To a lesser extent, how many opposition players will be raising their game against them this season knowing that Lions coach Ian McGeechan, also coach of Wasps will be casting his eye over them?
 
So a tough start for them, a lot of questions but as yet few answers. However if there is any team you should not take lightly it is Wasps. Their record speaks for itself and with a virtual full squad to pick from, bar gossip column favourite Danny Cipriani, they have class all over the park. But as I said earlier better to have a tilt at them now while they appear to be out of sorts than when they are in their full pomp which they are with annoying regularity come season end. If you believe there is any form to be read into these early season games then Saints may on paper have the upper hand as last week Wasps at home lost Worcester who Saints outclassed the week before. The game is played on grass though and I think it is a very close one to call but I would more than settle for a ground out 8-6 win like the last time we both met at the Garden in the Guinness Premiership on a foggy pre-Xmas night two seasons ago. If the crowd as the 16th man, like they were against Worcester, make just as much noise we might just edge it, but what odds a draw?
 
WANDERERS
 
The Wanderers are off to a flying start in the Guinness A league winning their first two games in style. An opening week win at Leeds was followed up with a five try 39-12 win over Bath at the Gardens on Monday night. A glance down Monday's teamsheet shows we now have real strength in depth now throughout the whole squad and most would not look out of place in the 1st XV. You might argue that the Wanderers team is just as strong as the one that won National Division One last season. So if you are at a loss some Monday evening's go along and give them a cheer alongside the 1200 or so that attended this week. I have promised myself I will get off my backside and make more of an effort this season to get there because as I have said before, it has to beat Coronation Street, surely?
 
TOULON
 
In a few short weeks we will be off to Toulon for the opening European Challenge Cup game. That is of course if Toulon have any players left available. In the Eurosport televised game on Friday night against Stade Francais Tana Umaga's side were involved in a thirty man brawl and might have more than one or two players banned for this and other incidents during the game.

Despite starting the season well with a win over Clermont they have failed, in their chairman Mourad Boudjellal's words, to play anything more than 40 minutes of decent rugby all season.

A little knowledge of the French language, lip reading could tell you on Friday that Mr Boudjellal was far from happy during the game and there must be question marks over Umaga's future. With the squad they have at their disposal they are sure to hit form at some time though. Let's just hope they leave it till after they play Saints.

 
 

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

Related Articles:

• News: Newcastle Falcons 32 Northampton Saints 22
• Thoughts From the Chron 120908
• Tales from the Members Bar vol 2 2

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS