By Peter Snow's Swingometer
January 11 2004

London Wasps go into the third round of the Heineken Cup against one of the new Welsh regional outfits, Celtic Warriors. The melding of Bridgend and Pontypridd may not have sparked the supporters interest completely yet but if truth be told, it was high time Welsh rugby was rationalised. London Wasps know more or less what to expect from the next two encounters with Warriors. Last season's battle with Pontypridd revealed to the Londoners that Welsh football was resting on its laurels no longer. Although Wasps won at home and away, Ponty's élan in attack and dogged defence left a lasting impression, as did their passionate supporters.

The nascent regional game has yet to take off in Glamorganshire but there are signs that it is coming together. Six coach loads of supporters or more will be travelling from South Wales today. However, the Welsh "club" boat is still rocking unsteadily. The combined crowds of Bridgend and Pontypridd should translate to a five-figure support for Warriors but the numbers have failed to materialise so far.

If Welsh rugby is to get out of its narrowly focused four-year World Cup cycle, it must have a professional structure that delivers top quality games week in, week out. Off the field Warriors are still suffering from the small town malaise as supporters continue follow the junior Welsh League clubs at the expense of the new regions, save for Llanelli Scarlets.

A look at Warriors team sheet reveals what Wasps can expect today and next Friday. They have top class players 1 to 15. They deserve the support of their locals. Rob Howley knew what was wrong with the big picture in Wales. He left for Wasps and now looks forward to renewing old acqaintances in black and gold colours.

Off the field Warriors face an uncertain future as Cardiff Blues seek a merger next season to balance to books. WRU wanted only four regional teams from the outset. Market forces may well make the decision for them.

Waspies can only sympathise, we know all about comings and goings and location, location, location. Such items have been on and off our agenda since the nineties. We can all say that we live in interesting times. And if Warriors fans are reading -- no, Waspies do not believe the recent media hype surrounding our team. We shall see what we shall see...

The old swingometer predicts two very passionate, close pool 6 matches. The difference between the teams will come down to Wasps long-term fitness and ball control. Perhaps Warriors could have done with another three month's preparation time. Wasps by 12 at home and by 3 away.

London Wasps: 15 Josh Lewsey; 14 Tom Voyce, 13 Fraser Waters, 12 Mark Denney, 11 Kenny Logan; 10 Alex King, 9 Rob Howley; 1 Craig Dowd, 2 Trevor Leota, 3 Tim Payne, 4 Simon Shaw, 5 Martin Purdy, 6 Joe Worsley, 7 Paul Volley, 8 Lawrence Dallaglio (Capt.)

Replacements: 16 Phil Greening, 17 Will Green, 18 Jonny O'Connor, 19 George Skivington, 20 Peter Richards, 21 Ayoola Erinle, 22 John Rudd.

Celtic Warriors: 15 TBC; 14 Gareth Wyatt, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Gareth Thomas (Capt.), 11 Dafydd James; 10 Neil Jenkins/Ceri Sweeney, 9 Gareth Cooper/Sililo Martens; 1 Christian Loader, 2 Mefin Davies, 3 Gethin Jenkins, 4 Brent Cockbain, 5 Robert Sidoli/Deiniol Jones, 6 Maama Molitika, 7 Richard Parks, 8 Cory Harris.

Replacements: TBC.

Related links: London Wasps Celtic Warriors | Vote for Fraser