Wasps
Game Thread: Wasps vs Falcons (Incl. Team news)
By ChiswickWasp
October 28 2016
Wasps team to face Newcastle Falcons at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday
Wasps’ Director of Rugby Dai Young has named his team to take on Newcastle Falcons at the Ricoh Arena this Sunday, 2.30pm KO.
In the backline, there are returns to the starting line-up for Frank Halai and Rob Miller, while Joe Simpson and Jimmy Gopperth form the half-back pairing.
Gopperth is given an opportunity to start in his favoured position at 10, having already excelled at inside centre and full back this season. After an impressive start to the season, Cipriani is given a well-deserved breather on the bench.
Coming back into the starting line-up after impressing as replacements last weekend, are Marty Moore, Kearnan Myall and Guy Thompson, while Thomas Young is ruled out with the chest injury picked up against Toulouse.
Ashley Johnson reverts to hooker from the backrow, with Alex Rieder starting on the blindside flank.
Ahead of the game against the Falcons, Wasps’ Director of Rugby Dai Young recalled how tight last season’s fixture was between the two sides at the Ricoh Arena saying, “To be honest, we got out of jail when we played them at the Ricoh Arena last season. Thankfully for us, they sliced a kick, otherwise they would have gone away with the win.
“Newcastle are a physical team who are very confrontational in the way they play the game. They’ve also expanded their game and play a lot of wide, attacking rugby, with real threats within their team and a good balance of power and pace, as well as a bit of flair. We’re under no illusion how tough a prospect the Falcons will be on Sunday. We’ll need to match last weekend’s intensity and be at our best if we’re to get the result we want.”
Tickets are available from £15, while under 10s go free wasps.co.uk/tickets
It’s a Halloween theme in the Wasps Nest Fan Village in the Ericsson Exhibition Hall, with on the spot prizes for best fancy dress.
The Fan Village will host a range of family friendly activities including:
A Giant Inflatable Rugby Pitch
The WIZ (Wasps Interactive Zone) - test yourself against members of the Wasps squad!
Kick 4 Goal challenge
Wasps Netball Day
Face Painting
Player signing post match
Wasps Carvery & Food and drink kiosks
Wasps team to face Newcastle Falcons in Round 7 of Aviva Premiership Rugby
15. Rob Miller
14. Christian Wade
13. Elliot Daly
12. Kyle Eastmond
11. Frank Halai
10. Jimmy Gopperth
9. Joe Simpson
1. Matt Mullan
2. Ashley Johnson
3. Marty Moore
4. Joe Launchbury (C)
5. Kearnan Myall
6. Alex Rieder
7. Guy Thompson
8. Nathan Hughes
16. Tom Cruse
17. Tom Bristow
18. Jake Cooper-Woolley
19. Matt Symons
20. James Gaskell
21. Dan Robson
22. Danny Cipriani
23. Alapati Leiua
The following players are unavailable for selection:
Forwards: James Haskell (toe), Sam Jones (broken leg & ankle ligaments), Alex Lundberg (ankle), Simon McIntyre (ankle), Tommy Taylor (neck), Thomas Young (chest)
Backs: Kurtley Beale (knee)
To arrive February: Willie Le Roux
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
StumbleuponGame Thread: Wasps vs Falcons (Incl. Team news)
Discussion started by DrunkenWasps.com , 28/10/2016 12:03
DrunkenWasps.com
28/10/2016 12:03
28/10/2016 12:03
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Newcastle Falcons team to face Wasps (Sunday, 2.30pm, Ricoh Arena):
15 Simon Hammersley
14 Marcus Watson
13 Dominic Waldouck
12 Juan Pablo Socino
11 Sinoti Sinoti
10 Mike Delany
9 Michael Young
1 Sam Lockwood
2 Ben Sowrey
3 Jon Welsh
4 Calum Green
5 Evan Olmstead
6 Mark Wilson
7 Will Welch (captain)
8 Callum Chick
Replacements:
16 Scott Lawson
17 Rob Vickers
18 David Wilson
19 Will Witty
20 Ally Hogg
21 Sonatane Takulua
22 Joel Hodgson
23 Fred Burdon
15 Simon Hammersley
14 Marcus Watson
13 Dominic Waldouck
12 Juan Pablo Socino
11 Sinoti Sinoti
10 Mike Delany
9 Michael Young
1 Sam Lockwood
2 Ben Sowrey
3 Jon Welsh
4 Calum Green
5 Evan Olmstead
6 Mark Wilson
7 Will Welch (captain)
8 Callum Chick
Replacements:
16 Scott Lawson
17 Rob Vickers
18 David Wilson
19 Will Witty
20 Ally Hogg
21 Sonatane Takulua
22 Joel Hodgson
23 Fred Burdon
No mention of Josh? Happy that Frank gets a start but I thought that Josh might have been worth a mention, e.g. 'rested' or 'injured'. Strong team and of course we need to take Newcastle very seriously after last season's game at the Ricoh.
Cips needs a rest
22/23 on other thread no insider knowledge
Not a Doctor and not a troll!!
22/23 on other thread no insider knowledge
Not a Doctor and not a troll!!
As always nowdays a very very decent 23 ...... Dai is certainly not taking this one lightly (rightly so) !
Good chance for us to get 5 here and start cementing our place in the top 4.
#COYW
Good chance for us to get 5 here and start cementing our place in the top 4.
#COYW
A big welcome back is due to Dom Waldouck too. He contributed loads to Wasps a few years ago and was maybe a bit unlucky not to progress his career towards international honours. Love watching Sinoti Sinoti play - just hope he doesnt do too well against us on Sunday though!
Our bench again is very strong, I'm pleased with the team. Going to be tough but I believe we will have too much for them as well as playing at home
That's a good Falcons back division, I know little about their front 5 but this will be a tough game. Are they now a genuine mid table side and not just relegation scrappers?
Yes welcome back Dom - it's a shame his career never developed like everyone hoped.
Sadly, like many centres, he never looked quite the same player when not playing outside Cips
Sadly, like many centres, he never looked quite the same player when not playing outside Cips
Quote:Geoff P
Yes welcome back Dom - it's a shame his career never developed like everyone hoped.
Sadly, like many centres, he never looked quite the same player when not playing outside Cips
Injuries didn't help.
But both Cipriani and Dom benefitted from that partnership. They brought the best out in each other.
If it hadn't been for injuries and potentially a confidence crisis after it, I suspect he would have gained some caps.
Potentially one of the most unfulfilled talented we've had in recent years - but behind Tom Rees and Sonic
I'm so glad to see him still playing.
Providing we win, I'd be more than happy for him to score
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:10:28:13:53:56 by StevieWasp.
Quote:Geoff P
Yes welcome back Dom - it's a shame his career never developed like everyone hoped.
Sadly, like many centres, he never looked quite the same player when not playing outside Cips
Or alongside Fraser.
We need to keep our structure in this game. They have some dangerous runners in that back division. Cannot afford to give the ball away. Fancy we will use our pack to gain field position rather than belt it upfield for Hammersley and his mates to run it back.
Didn't Dom tour Australia with England but end up as one of the few players who didn't get any game time?
Quote:aNomad_Wasp
Didn't Dom tour Australia with England but end up as one of the few players who didn't get any game time?
You are possibly conflating two England tours. He toured NZ but got no game time. He subsecqyebtly toured Australia and played in 2 A team games. I think he got injured (again) in the second if those when he was being talked of a place in the test team.
Spikey910
Newcastle are actually only 4 points ahead of the equivalent matches from last season (wins against Sale and Gloucester but losing to Leicester). So far they haven't played any of last season's top 3 teams. I agree it looks like they have improved but their performance against us will be a significant indicator of how they are doing.
Quote:Are they now a genuine mid table side not just relegation scrappers?
Newcastle are actually only 4 points ahead of the equivalent matches from last season (wins against Sale and Gloucester but losing to Leicester). So far they haven't played any of last season's top 3 teams. I agree it looks like they have improved but their performance against us will be a significant indicator of how they are doing.
Am I right in thinking that some of their first choice forwards are on the subs bench?
Ally Hogg is their Vice Captain I think?
I would have thought Wilson would perhaps be first choice under normal circumstances?
I would have thought Wilson would perhaps be first choice under normal circumstances?
I think Sinoti Sinoti is one of the best wingers in the league. Feet like Wade with size like Frank. Give him a sniff at an intercept at your peril. Newcastle was the only home game I missed last year, followed it closely on Twitter. Hope this seasons meeting is better!
Quote:ChiswickWasp
anyone no why Goneva is not playing?
I read somewhere he had damaged a hamstring.
Roger
Just wondering about streaming today's match. Any advice greatly appreciated
Quote:Try [www.cricfree.tv] but watch for popups etc.Farrell21
Just wondering about streaming today's match. Any advice greatly appreciated
Not working as not on TV! Bet365.com is the best bet!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:10:30:14:31:59 by PhilH.
Usual streams not working for me, both seem to be from the same source, and it's not loading. Ah well, don't feel so bad that I'm off out now after all.
Quote:Raggs
Usual streams not working for me, both seem to be from the same source, and it's not loading. Ah well, don't feel so bad that I'm off out now after all.
likewise
may have to watch Exeter on BT
Log on to Bet 365. Reload the home page and it should then be available under live streaming.
Quote:kentwasp1
trying to get on bet365- what deposit do you need to put down?
I did £10.00.
vipBox.nu seems to be working. I have a good add blocker so I don't get any unwarranted pop ups happening.
Thanks Chilham mate. As a Luddite just amazing this new technology- can see the lads now. Gopps just got a 3 pointer . Can you get the little picture box at the right any bigger?
Whihc broswer are you using? You should be able to zoom in so as to make the little picture fill the screen, although it may be blocky.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:10:30:15:04:18 by JF.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:10:30:15:04:18 by JF.
Very harsh call for deliberate knock-on, I feel that Hammersley was going for the tackle not the ball. Bad call by the officials 
Penalty Try, very impressed with the officials very clear and concise to talk through the options.
Stunning break, daly kicks ahead for halai to regather and score in the corner, lovely stuff
At the risk of courting controversy, Newcastle deserve to lose for that kit. It's hideous.
Quote:andy lee
vipBox.nu seems to be working. I have a good add blocker so I don't get any unwarranted pop ups happening.
Too many attacks for me (all blocked)!!
Roy / JF - Thanks for info - for now ok. Should have done this years ago - like Christmas
Really enjoying watching Kyle....he's a bit of a monster with his tackles!
Kyle and Launch are playing very well. Daly too. Sense we need to tighten up a little, go through some phases and stop trying to kill them with every move. Maybe the plan is keep it loose.
falcons are playing well ... good to see Waldouck playing back to something like his old wasps form
Winners ...are not those who never fail but those who never quit !
Winners ...are not those who never fail but those who never quit !
Unless Wasps start playing, BP is on the moon. very lethargic out there - not helped by a conveyor belt of injuries. But very worrying lack of intensity / attack / intent . good on falcons
When we literally have no other fit flankers including willis. Not sure that proves much.
Has anyone else just lost the bet365 stream and ended up with American Football?
He was named as a back row replacement this week. We're a bit light at the moment!
still streaming on vipbox
Winners ...are not those who never fail but those who never quit !
Winners ...are not those who never fail but those who never quit !
as a 365 virgin today, it was all going so well until then . Do we actually pay for this or they just keep a deposit? Good value - now back on with strange echo. I like it!
You can always withdraw your money kentwasp, just have to have a fiver in to allow streaming
If you can use a VPN to trick it into thinking you're in Asia, RugbyPass is really good.
Used TunnelBear to VPN to Singapore, signed up for the week free trial, now streaming the match to the TV using the Chromecast (but could watch on laptop or tablet).
Great picture too.
Just got to remember to cancel the free trial so not to get charged.
Used TunnelBear to VPN to Singapore, signed up for the week free trial, now streaming the match to the TV using the Chromecast (but could watch on laptop or tablet).
Great picture too.
Just got to remember to cancel the free trial so not to get charged.
Certainly not a vintage Wasps performance but more than happy with 5 points!
Could have been far, far worse.
Could have been far, far worse.
Top of the Gops!
Not the game we might have liked, and hopefully the injuries aren't too bad.
Oh, and hats off to the commentator for doing the entire thing on his own and doing a fine job.
Not the game we might have liked, and hopefully the injuries aren't too bad.
Oh, and hats off to the commentator for doing the entire thing on his own and doing a fine job.
Yay bonus point try ... No one better than Cips than taking it to the line before popping the pass to Jimmy G. That was hardwork by wasps but falcons did well for large parts of the game
Winners ...are not those who never fail but those who never quit !
Winners ...are not those who never fail but those who never quit !
Cheers bandy. Great afternoon. Feel like a grandpa with new technology. And good end to the game - arise Sir Gopps. Felt sorry for brave Newcastle lads - but incredible we get a BP when playing at maybe 40%. Is that good or bad then? If that was Sorries or another top 4 team we would have been shredded . Sure Dai will have a few views quietly expressed.
I'd say 40% is a bit harsh, but as has already been said, not all cylinders were firing
Quote:Raggs
When we literally have no other fit flankers including willis. Not sure that proves much.
14 to nil in 20mins does however and of course with an outstanding 10 to lead the way.
[robsbl0g.blogspot.co.uk]
@robsmithrugby
Quote:Rob SmithQuote:Raggs
When we literally have no other fit flankers including willis. Not sure that proves much.
14 to nil in 20mins does however and of course with an outstanding 10 to lead the way.
All due respect to falcons but we score lots of points in the final 20.
My point has always been that i feel we're better off using a specialist flanker at 6 than shifting Gaskell out of position. The fact that's exactly what happened doesn't really show much either way. Now if we have got flankers and Gaskell gets picked ahead of them, fair enough.
Didn't play well and got a bonus point, long stoppages can't have helped the game. Cipriani made a huge difference when he come on and Eastmond played well too.
Don't like this thread though prefer it when it loads a new page after 20 posts.
Don't like this thread though prefer it when it loads a new page after 20 posts.
Fantastic result despite a patchy performance. Thought Falcons contributed a lot to the game but never really threatened our line too much. Game changed when Cips came on and grabbed it by the throat. What a great player he is and a real asset to Wasps.
Quote:RaggsQuote:Rob SmithQuote:Raggs
When we literally have no other fit flankers including willis. Not sure that proves much.
14 to nil in 20mins does however and of course with an outstanding 10 to lead the way.
All due respect to falcons but we score lots of points in the final 20.
My point has always been that i feel we're better off using a specialist flanker at 6 than shifting Gaskell out of position. The fact that's exactly what happened doesn't really show much either way. Now if we have got flankers and Gaskell gets picked ahead of them, fair enough.
Well that's one viewpoint but not mine. Don't even really understand what you mean by 'a specialist flanker'. Gaskell played his most effective rugby as a 6 - I tried to buy him as a 6 in 2010 ish - in my opinion he would go further as a 6 but accept I could be wrong. To suggest Jack Willis at this stage as a better option is ridiculous.
[robsbl0g.blogspot.co.uk]
@robsmithrugby
Don't like to comment so soon after a game but Danny was a catalyst, absolutely excellent. Worth traveling hundreds of miles for his brief stint. Kyle was excellent throughout too.
Just got back from the game too and a little surprised by some of the unflattering remarks. Wasps were not poor and saying they were is a massive disrespect to a well drilled and committed Falcons team.
The way I saw it we opened up a 17 point lead which we consolidated and then pushed on in the last 15 minutes to secure a hard earned bonus point victory.
The way I saw it we opened up a 17 point lead which we consolidated and then pushed on in the last 15 minutes to secure a hard earned bonus point victory.
Quote:Rob Smith
... Gaskell played his most effective rugby as a 6 - I tried to buy him as a 6 in 2010 ish - in my opinion he would go further as a 6 but accept I could be wrong. To suggest Jack Willis at this stage as a better option is ridiculous.
No more ridiculous than suggesting Gaskell has the same ability to play six today, as he had in 2010'ish.
Quote:Rob SmithQuote:RaggsQuote:Rob SmithQuote:Raggs
When we literally have no other fit flankers including willis. Not sure that proves much.
14 to nil in 20mins does however and of course with an outstanding 10 to lead the way.
All due respect to falcons but we score lots of points in the final 20.
My point has always been that i feel we're better off using a specialist flanker at 6 than shifting Gaskell out of position. The fact that's exactly what happened doesn't really show much either way. Now if we have got flankers and Gaskell gets picked ahead of them, fair enough.
Well that's one viewpoint but not mine. Don't even really understand what you mean by 'a specialist flanker'. Gaskell played his most effective rugby as a 6 - I tried to buy him as a 6 in 2010 ish - in my opinion he would go further as a 6 but accept I could be wrong. To suggest Jack Willis at this stage as a better option is ridiculous.
The Willis comment was more tongue in cheek, to help describe just how bad our injury list at flanker had become.
Gaskell was a bloody good 8 (didn't see him in his 6 days) for Sale, but what I mean by specialist flanker, is someone who's been training, and conditioned, to play on the flank, since at least the start of the season. As opposed to someone who's been training and conditioned to play at lock, and has put on somewhere around 15kg of muscle on quite a slender frame, since his conversion.
Does he have the know how still buried away? More than likely, but it's not where he's been training for, both in terms of lines and support etc, but also simple conditioning. I don't expect him to cover the same sort of ground I expect our flankers to cover. I do expect him to jump in the lineout, push hard in the scrums, and hit fewer rucks harder.
I'd also suggest that Gaskell has now played his most effective rugby at lock. With his performances this season, and last season especially.
I think Gaskell has a great skill set to play 6, plus the pace to do so as well. I guess we're so used to seeing him line up a 5 we assume that's his best position. I'm just glad we have players with the ability to mix and match to such a high standard in our squad.
Quote:ChilhamQuote:Rob Smith
... Gaskell played his most effective rugby as a 6 - I tried to buy him as a 6 in 2010 ish - in my opinion he would go further as a 6 but accept I could be wrong. To suggest Jack Willis at this stage as a better option is ridiculous.
No more ridiculous than suggesting Gaskell has the same ability to play six today, as he had in 2010'ish.
Why? The original comment was comparative. I know Jack Willis well and have followed his progress closely - excellent player. However Gaskell, as well as the likes of Launchbury, Itoje etc all can move into back bow realitively easily and have the ability to perform better than a young stag. Suggesting they can't in may book is daft. We have very few English 'specialist flankers' if any, by that I mean in the mould of say George Smith. Most are makeshift options.
[robsbl0g.blogspot.co.uk]
@robsmithrugby
Quote:Rob SmithQuote:ChilhamQuote:Rob Smith
... Gaskell played his most effective rugby as a 6 - I tried to buy him as a 6 in 2010 ish - in my opinion he would go further as a 6 but accept I could be wrong. To suggest Jack Willis at this stage as a better option is ridiculous.
No more ridiculous than suggesting Gaskell has the same ability to play six today, as he had in 2010'ish.
Why? The original comment was comparative. I know Jack Willis well and have followed his progress closely - excellent player. However Gaskell, as well as the likes of Launchbury, Itoje etc all can move into back bow realitively easily and have the ability to perform better than a young stag. Suggesting they can't in may book is daft. We have very few English 'specialist flankers' if any, by that I mean in the mould of say George Smith. Most are makeshift options.
No one is arguing the point regarding Willis except you, Rob.
No one is arguing that Gaskell can't, "Do a job" as six.
The argument has always been whether he's a better option, and should therefore be considered in front of established back row players, such as Alex Reider.
Well done Wasps, had me on the edge of my seat in the closing minutes, cracking game but we had our foot off the gas for long periods, a well earned rest now, then back into the thick of it, fingers crossed for Marty Moore.
What really struck me today is that Cips and Gopps are pure magic when they play together. Both Gopps tries came from Cips creating the space and delivering lovely passes and Gopps sensing the gap and running superb lines. They bring out the best in each other and are on the same wavelength.
Which is a real conundrum as Eastmond was superb today along with Launch and Miller.
I think with Cips and Gopps together in the same side we can beat anyone.
Which is a real conundrum as Eastmond was superb today along with Launch and Miller.
I think with Cips and Gopps together in the same side we can beat anyone.
My feeling is that the variety of combinations offered by the runners coming at full lick is extremely hard for defences to cope with. Not the traditional one dimensional trundle that some teams adopt, or the harum scarum, throw it anywhere regardless, of others. Our mix of skills and combinations must be a bloody nightmare for the opposition. Well done to the coaches, players, and backroom staff.
Thought we looked both mentally and physically tired today. Think this reflected in the injury count as well. The number of stoppages, understandable for the injuries, slowed the game down and made it a bit of drag.
Still great teams get results even when tired. Think most first team players be rested at some point over the next weekends. They have deserved it and we have some big games coming before christmas.
Still great teams get results even when tired. Think most first team players be rested at some point over the next weekends. They have deserved it and we have some big games coming before christmas.
Newcastle threw everything at us today and our defense was impressive. They have some big powerful players and their intensity was perhaps higher than any other team that has visited this season.
We have had the ability to score tries from anywhere in the last couple of seasons however have often looked vulnerable against pure size and power. I am happy to say that we seem to be better placed this season to defend against these giant packs and it is this solid defence thay is essential if we are to win a trophy this season.
Taking the Marty Moore stoppage out of the equation the game was still very stop start and I think that CMK had a pretty poor game in which neither set of fans were happy with him.
Good to hear that Marty is out of hospital and I hope he remains ok over the next few days.
We have had the ability to score tries from anywhere in the last couple of seasons however have often looked vulnerable against pure size and power. I am happy to say that we seem to be better placed this season to defend against these giant packs and it is this solid defence thay is essential if we are to win a trophy this season.
Taking the Marty Moore stoppage out of the equation the game was still very stop start and I think that CMK had a pretty poor game in which neither set of fans were happy with him.
Good to hear that Marty is out of hospital and I hope he remains ok over the next few days.
Anonymous User
30/10/2016 23:00
30/10/2016 23:00
My observations from today -
- regardless of the injury situation for England, on current form launch would be pretty close to starting in the autumn. As it is his current form may mean we notice the absence of itoje and kruis far less. Outstanding.
- eastmond and guy both had very good games for me - neither did anything conspicuously brilliant...though guy should probably have had at least one if not two tries - but lots of strong work in all areas of the game.
- cips and gopps may be on a good wavelength but in the first half Miller picked all our best attacking lines. Had he stayed at 15 when cips came on I think he'd have scored two. The fact is, cips makes any good player look even better. When all three are on the field (or with eastmond who used to be a key playmaker in league and slots in at first receiver a lot for us) it's a nightmare for opponents to work out where the next attack will come from
- on that note - I likened some of our attacking play today to like watching a test match bowler lay his plan for a batsman - he may not get him first ball but he sets him up over the course of a few overs. I felt at our best today we were doing something similar. Banana kicks, grubbers, all sorts of different prods and tests of the Falcons line me at they just had no idea how to set up their defence. Really good to watch. Just a shame we lost our way a little in the middle 40.
- next couple of weeks will be interesting in terms of selection. We probably have to pick Miller and one of cips or gopps unless we're prepared to really throw the youngsters in and I hope we don't just do that as i think they learn very little in a scratch side, and there are first teamers who need game time in a half decent side too. Leiua for one who looked good again today. Personally I'd love to see Leiua and armitage operating somewhere outside of a cips / de Luca combo. Eastmond probably could use time in the saddle with cips as well. Up front rowlands, reider, Garrett, Bristow, cruse and swainston if fit are probably fairly clear pick. After that it looks tougher - again either youngsters or guys who we played a lot of rugby already. Could see one of myall / symons at lock and Gasks employed at 8? Will young be fit again soon?
Definitely rest time for Daly, both 9s, ash, Nathan, guy, Mullan, Jake and Marty Moore...
- regardless of the injury situation for England, on current form launch would be pretty close to starting in the autumn. As it is his current form may mean we notice the absence of itoje and kruis far less. Outstanding.
- eastmond and guy both had very good games for me - neither did anything conspicuously brilliant...though guy should probably have had at least one if not two tries - but lots of strong work in all areas of the game.
- cips and gopps may be on a good wavelength but in the first half Miller picked all our best attacking lines. Had he stayed at 15 when cips came on I think he'd have scored two. The fact is, cips makes any good player look even better. When all three are on the field (or with eastmond who used to be a key playmaker in league and slots in at first receiver a lot for us) it's a nightmare for opponents to work out where the next attack will come from
- on that note - I likened some of our attacking play today to like watching a test match bowler lay his plan for a batsman - he may not get him first ball but he sets him up over the course of a few overs. I felt at our best today we were doing something similar. Banana kicks, grubbers, all sorts of different prods and tests of the Falcons line me at they just had no idea how to set up their defence. Really good to watch. Just a shame we lost our way a little in the middle 40.
- next couple of weeks will be interesting in terms of selection. We probably have to pick Miller and one of cips or gopps unless we're prepared to really throw the youngsters in and I hope we don't just do that as i think they learn very little in a scratch side, and there are first teamers who need game time in a half decent side too. Leiua for one who looked good again today. Personally I'd love to see Leiua and armitage operating somewhere outside of a cips / de Luca combo. Eastmond probably could use time in the saddle with cips as well. Up front rowlands, reider, Garrett, Bristow, cruse and swainston if fit are probably fairly clear pick. After that it looks tougher - again either youngsters or guys who we played a lot of rugby already. Could see one of myall / symons at lock and Gasks employed at 8? Will young be fit again soon?
Definitely rest time for Daly, both 9s, ash, Nathan, guy, Mullan, Jake and Marty Moore...
Quote:coddy
Just got back from the game too and a little surprised by some of the unflattering remarks. Wasps were not poor and saying they were is a massive disrespect to a well drilled and committed Falcons team.
The way I saw it we opened up a 17 point lead which we consolidated and then pushed on in the last 15 minutes to secure a hard earned bonus point victory.
Yes, I was much more impressed with Falcons vis-a-vis last year, when they were just tenacious and limited. This year they looked more threatening throughout. We just had a bad day at the office at the lineout and some more handling errors than normal, which made our performance seem worse.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:10:30:23:47:44 by westwaleswasp.
15,008 for Falcons at home...not too shabby
...anybody know any flankers or props not up to much Friday night???
we seem to be running out, good 5 pts...but costly
...anybody know any flankers or props not up to much Friday night???
we seem to be running out, good 5 pts...but costly
Quote:Andy1210
What really struck me today is that Cips and Gopps are pure magic when they play together. Both Gopps tries came from Cips creating the space and delivering lovely passes and Gopps sensing the gap and running superb lines. They bring out the best in each other and are on the same wavelength.
Which is a real conundrum as Eastmond was superb today along with Launch and Miller.
I think with Cips and Gopps together in the same side we can beat anyone.
Amen to this.
My thoughts exactly.
I imagine these two master their craft and running lines endlessly in training...and have the nous and experience to then re-create them in pressure situations in matches.
Two fantastic players that seem to work very well together.
Two great tries scored together.
Watching through now, but want to ask a question.
We got penalised for holding the player in the air, anyone know the law against it? Seen it done many times, and every ref has just been worried about getting him down safely?
We got penalised for holding the player in the air, anyone know the law against it? Seen it done many times, and every ref has just been worried about getting him down safely?
Quote:Boooo
I imagine these two master their craft and running lines endlessly in training...and have the nous and experience to then re-create them in pressure situations in matches.
I agree with the second point, not so sure about the first. I just think they're two very talented rugby players who both understand angles, space and timing. Gops is a kiwi, they grow up understanding these things. Both tries seemed pretty spontaneous to me.
Quote:Heathen
Expect very big changes to the 23 for next week.
Agreed. But resources in front row and back row very stretched. Will be interesting to see how deep Dai will delve into the academy to protect some of his first team options. Would've thought we'd get a look at Willis. In the backs we've got a bit more depth with the likes of De Luca, Armitage, Macken and Leiua in need of game time plus some options on the academy who already have a wee bit of first team experience.
For me we should rest as many as we can for the LV Cup games and trust in the academy where needed.
Willis was injured this week, hopefully better next week.
Willis and Garret are likely to be two of the backrow I guess. Cruse and Woolenstoft at hooker.
Swainston and Stuart at tighthead.
Willis and Garret are likely to be two of the backrow I guess. Cruse and Woolenstoft at hooker.
Swainston and Stuart at tighthead.
Quite an enjoyable game to watch I thought. Plenty of ambition from Falcons, and they looked good, but it was rare that I felt they threatened us seriously. Thought we looked a bit off the pace, but wonder how much of that was Gopperth at 10. Gops is a bloody good player, but I love the way Cips orchestrates everything, think he calls for the ball more often, whereas Gops was happier for more to come off the 9.
When we score our tails go up, and we play faster, but as we defend it feels like we begin to get bored. If that's the case, we need to make sure the mindset is right.
When we score our tails go up, and we play faster, but as we defend it feels like we begin to get bored. If that's the case, we need to make sure the mindset is right.
Missed the first half with bet 365 login issues but I agree about Cips. Before he came on it seemed neither us nor Falcons were quite creative enough to open up two good defences. Lots of endeavour and effort, but it took Cips to be able to unlock them a couple of times which I think is what we all hoped he would bring this season.
Quote:Raggs
Watching through now, but want to ask a question.
We got penalised for holding the player in the air, anyone know the law against it? Seen it done many times, and every ref has just been worried about getting him down safely?
At the time I thought he had stopped play on the grounds of safety, then I noticed his arm up and wondered the same. Is there a catch all law for dangerous / potentially dangerous play?
Edited - response on wrong thread!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:11:01:07:58:30 by Nomad_Wasp.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016:11:01:07:58:30 by Nomad_Wasp.
Long time lurker first time poster, the full game has been pulled from premiership rugby.tv was half way through it on Sunday evening only the highlights remain... any clues?
Having been on the edge of my seat at the Ricoh & then watche the vid I've Sussed the strategy! Score 2 early tries, let the opposition play in our half/ 22, they get overconfident - make mistakes, we pick up the ball & run them Off their feet score twice, bonus point - easy!
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
