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WASPS ARE IN THE AIR


By Behind the Bench
February 10 2016

A relatively quick rematch with Wasps after the (efficient / boring - delete according to allegiance) Saracens win in Coventry at the end of 2015. With the only blemish so far on Saracens' record being the loss at Harlequins, when down to 14 men, and off the back of a key success at Exeter last time out, it looks a particularly good time for Sarries, especially after a weekend of results which produced a number of surprises. However, they will need to be wary of a Wasps side who are potentially lethal on the counter attack, and need to ensure that they don't lose possession cheaply through handling errors, hence we could see a return of the kicking dominated game which paid dividends in the Midlands, as Saracens look to control territory and prevent their opponents unleashing that backline. 

Since that meeting, Wasps have been in strong form, although not always at their flowing best, they have managed to grind out results, whilst nailing down a home Quarter Final at home to Exeter Chiefs with a stunning demolition of Leinster in the final pool game, proving their win in Dublin in the first match was no fluke. With greater consistency oin the Premiership, they are now pressing the top four with greater vigour, closing the gap on Harlequins to five points, ahead of a meeting of the sides at the end of February at the Ricoh Arena. After the loss to Sarries, in which they kicked more than normal to little avail, they were edged out 15-9 in a tight encounter at Sale Sharks, as they couldn't find an attacking edge to add to some outstanding defensive work in which Joe Launchbury made 17 tackles. Back at the Ricoh Arena for the new local derby with Worcester Warriors, Wasps recovered from 13-0 down to ultimately win 32-22 with time running out, showing the resilience in the squad, in a match which saw them make 779 metres, with Frank Halai and Jimmy Gopperth making in excess of 100 metres apiece, whilst Sam Jones' 23 tackles epitomised the hard work in the back row. A burst out of the backline by Miller set the comeback in motion to set up lock Kearnan Myall for the first home try after the break, whilst Guy Thompson capitalised on some close range pressure for the second try, whilst tries three and four in the closing minutes saw some alert play when the ball worked loose to set up Halai and then Sailosi Tagicakibau for a dramatic win.
 
The next two weeks were as much about Wasps' resilience as their ability. Although joint favourites with Saracens for European honours, Toulon are still well short of their best, yet it was still a fine achievement that the Coventry side went so close to beating them again, but were defeated 15-11 by a converted stoppage time try. Once again, Jones had an industrious game in the back row, and Charles Piutau was a particular threat from full back, as they led through a Thompson try. That seemed to have given the initiative to the French side, as defeat in the last pool game could even see Wasps miss out entirely, and it was still in the balance at the break when the home side led 15-10 at the interval. 36 unanswered points later, they had made a powerful statement in Europe, with powerful forward play and crisp attacking dismantling the opposition comprehensively. Statistically, apart from on the scoreboard, it was an even game in terms of possession and territory, but Wasps showed a sharp finishing edge and alertness to chances (sound familiar?), with Piutau and Elliot Daly the main running threats. 
 
Unlike earlier in the season, they managed to take this form back into the Premiership, having won their last two, albeit in decidedly conflicting styles. Although Northampton Saints' form has been underwhelming to say the least, they have still been strong defensively, with their problems largely in attack. So, it seemed achievement enough when the visitors established a 10-0 lead at Franklins Gardens through a penalty and a well-worked try for scrum half Dan Robson, but it got better as Miller profited from an initial charge by Nathan Hughes, and then the full back turned provider to run from deep and set up Josh Bassett for their third try before the break. When the home side improved, they were blunted by an impressive away defence. But Wasps proved they could see out tight games, although only just, as Newcastle Falcons were beaten 9-8 last Saturday, in what emerged as something of a kicking fest given the conditions. 
 
Turning to team selections, whilst Saracens will continue to be affected by the absence of their international contingent, Wasps have been suffering with injuries so the sides should be evenly matched. Sarries probably won't make too many changes, with Ben Ransom making substantial ground from full back against the Chiefs. Nathan Earle could be handed a start on the right wing, outside an unchanged centre partnership of Nick Tompkins and Brad Barritt, and Chris Wyles remaining on the left wing. Charlie Hodgson should continue to be his influential best at fly half, possibly alongside Ben Spencer, whilst the front row will presumably retain the Richard Barrington, Schalk Brits and Petrus du Plessis combination. Hayden Smith and Jim Hamilton should remain in the second row. Michael Rhodes, Jacques Burger and Jackson Wray could make up a revised back row. Wasps should field the in-form Miller at full back, whilst pacy winger Christian Wade made his return from injury in the last game, and should be on the right wing. In an adjusted centre partnership, Brendan Macken should feature alongside new signing Siate Piutau,. brother of Charles and a Tongan international, with Bassett remaining on the wing. Jimmy Gopperth will be at fly half alongside scrum half Dan Robson. Into the forwards, Matt Mullan should take the starting loosehead berth, with Ashley Johnson at hooker and Jake Cooper-Wooley at tighthead. James Cannon and Myall should take the lock positions, whilst the back row seems likely to consist of Alex Rieder, George Smoyj amd Nathan Hughes, in what should be a truly intriguing back row clash. 

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WASPS ARE IN THE AIR
Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 10/02/2016 22:41
TheSaracens.com
10/02/2016 22:41
Thanks for another excellent preview Gerard



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2016:02:21:21:16:43 by Darraghgirl.

davidthesarrie
11/02/2016 07:44
Superb preview. Thank you. We must not let wasps get the initiative early on and keep our momentum high throughout. They have turned defects around as we have in recent weeks. It's going to be a thriller if a bit cold! Go Sarries!

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