1. The protest that never was
After a turbulent week surrounding the future of Wasps rugby club, the players proved it had had little effect on them with a breathtaking display to defeat one of the league’s best sides so far this season, Bath. If they are guilty of letting Bath back into the game, having led, quite astonishingly, 29-0 at one stage, the ruthless manner in which they mauled Bath in the first 60 minutes means the fans are likely to forgive them. And on the subject of the fans, the protests at the move to Coventry were few and far between – the odd banner here and there that were eventually taken down, almost as if they were embarrassed at protesting against a team playing so well. The gate was 7,397 – not astronomical by any measure (it would have left 25,212 empty seats at the Ricoh Arena), but the biggest of the season so far for Wasps, and if they keep playing like this, they should win plenty of new fans. In the meantime, perhaps the local fans are realising that their chances to see their side play without a lengthy journey are dwindling.
2. Back to basics
No Tigers fan could claim their win over Harlequins on Friday night was pretty, but in terms of importance it is right up there with any over the past few years. Had they have lost, they’d be facing a European fortnight in which they face Ulster at Welford Road, a game the Northern Irishmen won last year, and an away trip to the Scarlets on the back of four losses. It would have been highly feasible that they’d end the fortnight having lost six in a row. The win against Harlequins hasn’t solved everything, but it was mightily important. The Tigers went back to their bread and butter, dismantling the Quins set piece with the strongest front five showing of their season so far. They kicked intelligently and took the points when they were on offer. Ulster will provide a sterner test, not least in the front five, but the Tigers at least have a bit of momentum and belief to take into it.
3. Facing the music
Understandably, when a head coach’s side loses, and loses as badly as Sale did against Northampton at the weekend, they are not going to be thrilled about having to face a barrage of questions from the media about where things went wrong. That said, the media are the gateway from the coaches and players to the fans, and they are the ones that have been let down by Steve Diamond’s decision to skip the post match press conference and instead send a two-line statement through the press officer saying there were “no positives to take” from the performance. Whether that is true or not – and it wasn’t, given Mark Jennings’ breathtaking score in the second half – the fans (and media, for that matter) deserve to hear the coach’s genuine thoughts after any game, win or lose.
4. Pacific Islands ready to pounce
Several of the standout performers from the weekend, and indeed from this season so far, will be representing one of the Pacific Island nations at next year’s World Cup and if they can perform to anywhere near the level they do week in week out in the Premiership, they have a very good chance of causing a few upsets. Examples trip off the tongue. The Pisi brothers were sublime in Northampton’s demolition of Sale, with winger Ken particularly impressive. Alafoti Faosiliva has been one of Bath’s unsung heroes this season, a brutally physical ball-carrier while opposite him on Saturday Nathan Hughes continued his fine form and teammate Sailosi Tagicakibau proved why he was picked ahead of Tom Varndell with a sublime finish. Add in the likes of Niki Goneva, who is yet to reach the heights of last season, and Asaeli Tikoirotuma, who is still finding his feet in the Premiership, and you have an array of talent all of whom will light up next year’s World Cup, not to mention the rest of this year’s league season.
5. Like a London bus
Newcastle Falcons waited 11 months for a Premiership win, and they now have two in as many games. And their most recent win was as important as it was expected – in beating the only side below them, London Welsh, they have opened up a comfortable eight point gap in the relegation race. They’ve played some nice rugby in the past two weeks, too, their offloading game to the fore in the weekend’s win at the Kassam Stadium, earning them the right in the process to start looking up the table rather than below them. And what of London Welsh? Justin Burnell still claims defiantly that with 16 games still to play they are far from relegated already, and while the number of games left in the season is fact, they are genuinely not far from being relegated already. It would take a huge turnaround in the standard of rugby they are playing, and if Newcastle win another and open up a 12 point gap then it’s almost impossible to see them clawing back. They’d have to beat the Falcons and another two sides, and with the gulf in class currently as wide as it is, it’s just so difficult to see that happening.
By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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Thoroughly enjoyed watching Wasps yesterday afternoon. Our pack not too long ago was our main weakness and yesterday it looked brilliant, Matt Mullan in particular took Wilson to the cleaners. Our lack of strength in depth showed once all subs were made – their bench being considerably stronger than ours. Hopefully our move to the Ricoh will significantly improve things in that department.
On Pacific Islanders – Nathan Hughes? Has he committed to any country yet? I was under the impression that he may well play for England. Is that not the case?
You’re right Jacob, he’s admitted an interest in playing for England when he qualifies but as of now he’s still Fijian, I’d say! Agree that he probably won’t play for them at RWC though.
Thought as much! I’d have him above Morgan in current pecking order if he becomes available. Any idea when that is? Vunipola is still the front runner for the 8 shirt but Hughes is one hell of a prospect.
Still a couple years yet on Hughes – not sure why he keeps being brought up with regards to England, just because he’s not been capped by Fiji or Samoa.
I think it’s probably because he has spoken about it. It is his decision on who he plays for. If chooses Fiji (don’t think he is Samoa qualified) – then fair enough, but if he eventually is in the England reckoning then he is more than good enough.
Hadn’t realised that is would be post-WC that he’d become available mind you.
I hope he doesn’t turn down an opportunity to go to the RWC just because he’ll become England qualified some time after it.
Rokoduguni. That step. Wow
It’s not like he was making a tight-head prop look stupid either! They have to include him in the EPS for the Autumn.
They’d better. He’s, by far, the most dangerous runner in the league, right now, and he could add something truly special to our attack. I just don’t think we can afford not to get him involved.
For me, it’s Rokodoguni and May to start the first test. However, I suspect Yarde will be on one of the wings. Not that he’s a bad option either. :)
Waldrom should at least be considered by Mr Lancaster. He has scored 4 and am i right in saying he has made the most metres and carries?
Waldrom has been the most dynamic 8 this season, and he’s also shown the ability to make some very astute and rapid footballing decisions, off the cuff. If we were picking solely on this season’s form, he would be first choice for England, but I’m sure Lancaster will stick with the tried and tested, Morgan and Vunipolla.
Btw, the Exeter backrow of Ewers, Armond, and Waldrom looked very bloody tasty against London Irish, on the weekend.