Wasps Vs Tigers

[FKAS]

The indifferent performance from Ford did see him keep Wasps trapped in their own half for the first 40 minutes and and much of the final quarter. His attacking play wasn't up to his normal levels but he created the space for the Potter no try and had put Wells and Chessum right through for what looked like a very possible try scoring opportunity but for the deliberate knock on that somehow sir missed and TMO decided was nothing more than a penalty despite gaping space beyond the overloaded defender.

Even in mediocrity his performance would probably be described as good for most others. He was some distance from his form we've seen this season though, a slight concern though Tigers lost this game on the back of an unlucky deflection inside the opening few minutes rather than by Wasps cutting them open.

Borthwick wasn't happy with the error count, we'll see some changes in Europe no doubt. Might push a bit of competition for places.

[Puja]

The indifferent performance from Ford did see him keep Wasps trapped in their own half for the first 40 minutes and and much of the final quarter. His attacking play wasn't up to his normal levels but he created the space for the Potter no try and had put Wells and Chessum right through for what looked like a very possible try scoring opportunity but for the deliberate knock on that somehow sir missed and TMO decided was nothing more than a penalty despite gaping space beyond the overloaded defender.

Even in mediocrity his performance would probably be described as good for most others. He was some distance from his form we've seen this season though, a slight concern though Tigers lost this game on the back of an unlucky deflection inside the opening few minutes rather than by Wasps cutting them open.

Borthwick wasn't happy with the error count, we'll see some changes in Europe no doubt. Might push a bit of competition for places.

And the number of aimless kicks that went straight down the throat of Wasps' back three and just handed possession over?

Puja

[FKAS]

The indifferent performance from Ford did see him keep Wasps trapped in their own half for the first 40 minutes and and much of the final quarter. His attacking play wasn't up to his normal levels but he created the space for the Potter no try and had put Wells and Chessum right through for what looked like a very possible try scoring opportunity but for the deliberate knock on that somehow sir missed and TMO decided was nothing more than a penalty despite gaping space beyond the overloaded defender.

Even in mediocrity his performance would probably be described as good for most others. He was some distance from his form we've seen this season though, a slight concern though Tigers lost this game on the back of an unlucky deflection inside the opening few minutes rather than by Wasps cutting them open.

Borthwick wasn't happy with the error count, we'll see some changes in Europe no doubt. Might push a bit of competition for places.

And the number of aimless kicks that went straight down the throat of Wasps' back three and just handed possession over?

Puja

Poor conditions and limited carrying options in the pack against a team that compete well at the breakdown. No point playing on half way. Kick deep against Crossdale who looked pretty poor. Bassett is good in the air and Hougaard was probably Wasps best player so we struggled to isolate and take advantage of the wingers. It wasn't pretty and was quite dull but we had plenty of opportunities to take advantage whilst Wasps had one meaningful spell of pressure in our 22.

Those two missed kicks off the tee cost us more. I do wonder if in hindsight Ford was carrying a knock as he didn't run the ball himself from the backfield even though that was part of the game plan.

[Galfon]

Feels like Barbeary's an 8 or nothing at this stage in his development
Puja

Blackett's view too recently:
"We spoke at the end of last season, myself Eddie Jones and him. We were all involved in the discussion and Alfie wants to play back-row. His appetite and his passion is to be there, so he’ll be a number eight."

[twitchy]

[Mikey Brown]

Feels like Barbeary's an 8 or nothing at this stage in his development
Puja

Blackett's view too recently:
"We spoke at the end of last season, myself Eddie Jones and him. We were all involved in the discussion and Alfie wants to play back-row. His appetite and his passion is to be there, so he’ll be a number eight."

Yeah I thought the hooker thing had been put to bed, so to speak, but the question now is surely how Tom Willis and Barbeary fit in a backrow? Maybe it’s good to have them competing but it feels like a potential England 8 will be a little short of game time either way? Or is it Barbeary at 6 that’s meant I keep seeing Shields in the 7 shirt?

I assume Jack Willis is going to play more 7 when he returns?

[Peej]

Jack is certainly the first choice 7 when fit. But that could be some weeks yet.

When all fit, it could be choices between

6. Shields/Barbeary/T Willis
7. J. Willis/Shields/Carr
8. Barbeary/T Willis/

Given Alfie has only played three times this season, the chances of them all being consistently fit at the same time is slim. Alfie will also have to take the shirt of T Willis, who has probably been Wasps' player of the season so far.

[Peej]

Has Genge really not been cited for the punch?

[Raggs]

Genge walks free.

The backrow will be intense if/when Jack returns. I suspect Carr will be off. Then it'll be Willis x2, Barbeary and Shields all fighting for the starting shirts. Though in theory we're likely to lose at least 1 to England.

[Puja]

Feels like Barbeary's an 8 or nothing at this stage in his development
Puja

Blackett's view too recently:
"We spoke at the end of last season, myself Eddie Jones and him. We were all involved in the discussion and Alfie wants to play back-row. His appetite and his passion is to be there, so he’ll be a number eight."

Yeah I thought the hooker thing had been put to bed, so to speak, but the question now is surely how Tom Willis and Barbeary fit in a backrow? Maybe it’s good to have them competing but it feels like a potential England 8 will be a little short of game time either way? Or is it Barbeary at 6 that’s meant I keep seeing Shields in the 7 shirt?

I assume Jack Willis is going to play more 7 when he returns?

Yeah, I was more meaning "he's an 8, not a 6" and thinking about whether he and TWillis fit in the same back row, rather than referencing him hooking.

Genge walks free.

Utterly barking. Usual disciplinary flip of the coin, but he's very, very lucky (and I hope has been thoroughly told as much by Borthwick).

Pua

[Raggs]

I think Willis's and Barbeary can all fit in the same backrow to be honest. It does feel like Shields would help balance it a bit though.

[FKAS]

Blackett's view too recently:
"We spoke at the end of last season, myself Eddie Jones and him. We were all involved in the discussion and Alfie wants to play back-row. His appetite and his passion is to be there, so he’ll be a number eight."

Yeah I thought the hooker thing had been put to bed, so to speak, but the question now is surely how Tom Willis and Barbeary fit in a backrow? Maybe it’s good to have them competing but it feels like a potential England 8 will be a little short of game time either way? Or is it Barbeary at 6 that’s meant I keep seeing Shields in the 7 shirt?

I assume Jack Willis is going to play more 7 when he returns?

Yeah, I was more meaning "he's an 8, not a 6" and thinking about whether he and TWillis fit in the same back row, rather than referencing him hooking.

Genge walks free.

Utterly barking. Usual disciplinary flip of the coin, but he's very, very lucky (and I hope has been thoroughly told as much by Borthwick).

Pua

I don't think Genge needed telling, his post match interview looked pretty disconsolate. He knew he made an error and let Hougaard under his skin.

[Oakboy]

It's not just about Genge, though, is it? Discipline has to be seen to be fair and consistent.

[FKAS]

It's not just about Genge, though, is it? Discipline has to be seen to be fair and consistent.

Oh I meant in relation to Borthwick having to tell him. I'm sure he went in and apologised to his fellow players.

The citing or lack there of is about right from the inconsistent mess we have currently.