Wasps vs Newcastle - Sat 3pm

[Puja]

Wasps: Kibirige; Odogwu, Fekitoa, Gopperth, Bassett; Umaga, Robson; Hislop, Oghre, Alo, Launchbury (capt), Stooke, Shields, J Willis, Barbeary.

Replacements: Frost, West, Millar-Mills, Fifita, T Willis, Porter, Spink, Watson.

Newcastle: Penny (co-capt); Radwan, Wacokecoke, Burrell, Carreras; Haydon-Wood, Schreuder; Brocklebank, McGuigan, Davison, Peterson, Robinson, Welch, Lockwood, Chick (co-capt).

Replacements: Blamire, Cade, Tampin, Fuser, Collett, Nordli-Kelemeti, Connon, Orlando.

Referee: Andrew Jackson (RFU).

[Raggs]

Only really been watching wasps the last few seasons, how strong a Newcastle side is that? Recognise a lot of the names so it looks quite strong.

Wasps bench has got some serious impact energy about it.

[FKAS]

Missing some big name backrowers in Fearns and Graham plus some replacement props otherwise it's pretty much what Falcons would want to be able to select I think.

[Portcullis Irish]

Umaga got his Jimmy G comfort blanket Back 5 of that Pests 8 looks strong can see Pests winning by 15+

[Peej]

Kibirigie at 15 is a bit if a bold call. Wasps really haven't settled on a preferred choice as a result of injuries and form. Barbeary over Tom Willis is an odd decision

[Banquo]

Wasps back 5 is shaping us a beast with Fifita and Tom Willis on the bench.

[Puja]

Kibirigie at 15 is a bit if a bold call. Wasps really haven't settled on a preferred choice as a result of injuries and form. Barbeary over Tom Willis is an odd decision

I'm looking forward to seeing him go actually. I always say that Barbeary plays best when he's the main carrier in a back row and I think with Shields and Willis alongside him, he's going to have a stormer.

Puja

[Peej]

He was the main carrier in the game down at Exeter last month and he ended up trying way too hard, forcing everything, and making lots of mistakes and turning the ball over. I think he's currently better coming off the bench and adding explosive dynamism late on. In fact I'm quite surprised Wasps didn't go for a 6:2. Then there's also the fact that Tom Willis is one of Wasps most consistent and strong performers.

[fivepointer]

Thats some bench from Wasps. Porter and Spink seem to have come on nicely this season. How about Alo as an England pick for the BaaBaas game?

Newcastle will be up against it. Lockwood looks an interesting character. Big carrier with a bit about him. Pleased to see faith being shown in Haydon-Wood.

[Mellsblue]

How about Alo as an England pick for the BaaBaas game?

I’d buy a ticket just to watch the full 20mins of Alo trying to keep pace in a BaaBaas game.

[Raggs]

How about Alo as an England pick for the BaaBaas game?

I’d buy a ticket just to watch the full 20mins of Alo trying to keep pace in a BaaBaas game.

His engine has improved massively. There's been a few moments in the past season where he's really impress with his workrate and determination.

[fivepointer]

How about Alo as an England pick for the BaaBaas game?

I’d buy a ticket just to watch the full 20mins of Alo trying to keep pace in a BaaBaas game.

Ha! He's a different player to what he was a year ago. The S&C team at Wasps have done a great job in getting him in better shape.

[Mellsblue]

How about Alo as an England pick for the BaaBaas game?

I’d buy a ticket just to watch the full 20mins of Alo trying to keep pace in a BaaBaas game.

Ha! He's a different player to what he was a year ago. The S&C team at Wasps have done a great job in getting him in better shape.

Yeah, it was mostly in jest and he has improved greatly in the last 12 months* but a man of that size is still never going to win any bleep test awards. The key word is ‘better’ rather than ‘fantastic’!
*He had half(ish) a season 3(?) years ago at Bedford and even the pace of a Champ game was too much at that time.