ON THE ROAD AGAIN

By Heathen
July 28 2009

I will kick off with a worthy mention for all the Wasps players who performed heroically for the Lions in SA. Shawsie was my man of the tour. Wasps (and ex Wasps) abounded on the pitch and in the coaching team. If anyone, ever, has epitomised the Lions ethos more than Geech, then I have yet to see them.

Worzel was at last given the chance to do the job he does so effectively for Wasps, on the highest stage. Vicks bounced back from a first test nightmare to deliver magnificently in the final game. Riki, at last, got the chance to demonstrate the skills that we saw in abundance in 07/08. And Tim, a late call and what a debut in the midweek game. 

On the domestic front, with the last rites of 08/09 duly concluded (and even blood letting by the Hairy ones, failing to change the HEC status quo), Wasps can look forward to life in the second division of European rugby. 

It does, however, offer the opportunity to make some new acquaintances in Rome, Racing 92 and Bayonne. With the draw due for July 29, we will not have to wait much longer to start making our travel plans. 

With the new structure to the competition, the 5 pool winners will meet the 3^rd/4^th/5^th  placed runners up in the HEC in the ECC 1/4s. Wasps should view this as an opportunity to restate their credentials as one of the best teams in Europe. Emulating the success of 02/03 has to be the objective. 

On the domestic front, Leeds have replaced Bristol in the GP and it is to be hoped that they can offer a challenge of substance, during the coming season. Tigers kick off the season as worthy champions, but I suspect that challenges to their crown, will come on many fronts next season. 

Much has changed with the GP squads during the close season. None more so, than at Wasps. 

Hanksy has assumed the mantle of DoR and I have no doubt, that he will instil winning beliefs and qualities into the squad, so that the boys hit the ground running, at HQ on Sept 5. In my view, we have a leader who shares many of the same beliefs as the Wise One. Trevor Woodman is the new forwards coach and comes with a burgeoning reputation from his time in Oz. Combine these two with Shaun and it is an exceptional holy trinity. 

The playing squad has seen many departures during the close season, notably Tom Palmer, James Haskell, Pat Barnard and Riki Flutey to la belle France. Voycey as gone west to Glaws, Jez to Tiggers, Reds to Leinster plus the retirements of Josh and Rafa.

Bonne chance and good luck to all of them in whatever they have chosen to do next. 

On the recruitment side, much has been done to bolster the quality of the squad.  

Dan Ward-Smith was touted as a shoe-in for the England 8 shirt, until injury cruelly deprived him of his chance, to excel at the highest level. If our conditioning guys can get him in A1 nick, then expect some strong performances from the base of the scrum. Jason Hobson also followed DWS from Bristol – it is to be hoped that his purported injury does not seriously delay his first appearance in Black and Gold. Chris Whitehead has joined from Coventry where he has earned the reputation as one of the most exciting young hookers in England. Isoa Damudamu may well complete the quartet of new recruits in the pack. An England 7s squad member, he has pace to burn. 

It is in the backs where the new recruits really do whet the appetite. 

David Lemi, Tom Varndell, Steve Kefu. Ben Jacobs, Warren Fury and Lee Smith. Outstanding talent with pace to burn. If the pack can give Simmo and Cips decent ball, then one thing for certain is, that Wasps will score significantly more tries that in 08/09. 

The coming season should be a good one for Wasps fans. A back division with the likes of Simpson/Fury, Cipriani/Walder, Lemi/Varndell, Kefu/Jacobs/Waldouck, Sackey/Smith, Van Gisburgen/Mitchell is a mouth watering prospect. 

No news yet of our captain for 08/09, but my money would be on Serge. Some magnificent performances as skipper last season and hugely respected by the squad. 

Fewer EPS squad members should also be a benefit in consistency of selection. 

The new season promises much for us as supporters. There would appear to be some very positive noises coming from TA. 

Roll on the LDH.