So looking forward to 2011/12?
Testimonial Man
By KevinTheB
July 5 2011
So we're half-way through the silly season, and with a new Director of Rugby in place, some new signings anounced, and a Haskellator due to return after a Japanese Sabatical. Last year's finish was pretty dire ... what's the general feeling now?
For me, it's one of wait-and-see - on paper, we have a strengthened front five, and this is where I felt we were a bit weak mostly last season. But I most hope to see some development in the coaching.
We had a way of winning back in the mid 2000s by being fitter and stronger and tiring other sides out. Nowadays this isn't the case and in many games in fact was the reverse. I think the stamina needs to improve and a bit more adventure brought into the team - let's hope that the 10 signing of Nicky Robinson can bring some spark.
I think we need to settle down for a year or two of building, as long as Steve Hayes's plans for his stadium do not detract from the requirements to keep in the Premiership.
I'm sure there's going to be other opinions.
As a bonus for the DWs this year, Richard Birkett and John Hart share a Testimonial Year, and their Testimonial Committee have expressed an interest in a Curry Night - so watch this space for developments!
So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: DrunkenWasps.com (IP Logged)
Date: 05/07/2011 06:47
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Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: suparuggerboy (IP Logged)
Date: 05/07/2011 10:59
I feel fairly optimistic about the season coming. It feels like some real thought has gone into where we needed to strengthen the side.
Obviously the proof is in the pudding with the new props, but if they're good srcummagers, combined with Thompson we'll have a solid competitive front row which should at least hold it's own.
Second row recruitment has really impressed me. Filipo and Wentzel are great signings, and with Launchbury starting to come of age, we look well stocked.
A shame The Hask couldn't come now, but other than that, Poff is a great signing, and if Rees and Worseley are fit, we'll have a strong back row.
Joe is Joe at 9, and the two new tens make me happy. We have good cover there. Again all about fitness and form, but if Flutey and Waldouck find some form playing outside Robinson, throw in Daly and Bell, we could be ok centres wise, I jsut wish we had a bit more strength in the back three.
Wade looks class, but is still young, not convinced by Haughton, and I think we need an established full back.
Over all, very encouraging,new DOR is great. For me, success is much improved performance and top 6. We can then keep building on that.
Obviously the proof is in the pudding with the new props, but if they're good srcummagers, combined with Thompson we'll have a solid competitive front row which should at least hold it's own.
Second row recruitment has really impressed me. Filipo and Wentzel are great signings, and with Launchbury starting to come of age, we look well stocked.
A shame The Hask couldn't come now, but other than that, Poff is a great signing, and if Rees and Worseley are fit, we'll have a strong back row.
Joe is Joe at 9, and the two new tens make me happy. We have good cover there. Again all about fitness and form, but if Flutey and Waldouck find some form playing outside Robinson, throw in Daly and Bell, we could be ok centres wise, I jsut wish we had a bit more strength in the back three.
Wade looks class, but is still young, not convinced by Haughton, and I think we need an established full back.
Over all, very encouraging,new DOR is great. For me, success is much improved performance and top 6. We can then keep building on that.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: bald.paul.101 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/07/2011 11:28
For me, whilst new signings are great, it about the DoR & the Coaches. These guys have to take a huge piece of the blame for lacklustre performances last season and, gievn that the coaching set up has remained unchanged, I'm looking for the DoR to really make an impact and get the team playing good rugby.
HEC qualification and some sense that the team is moving in the right direction will be success IMO next season
HEC qualification and some sense that the team is moving in the right direction will be success IMO next season
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: pds18464 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/07/2011 13:14
If we can bet another quality tighthead and a class strike winger / fullback then quietly confident a bit of new broom action might keep us out of the regegatioon scrap which would be great and a platform to go forward from once ground distractions etc are resolved during next year.
I would be absolutley delighted but dont see realistically the squad is up to challenging for anything, but mid table and squeaking an HEC place would be a really good result in the circumstances.
I would be absolutley delighted but dont see realistically the squad is up to challenging for anything, but mid table and squeaking an HEC place would be a really good result in the circumstances.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Banbury Wasp (IP Logged)
Date: 05/07/2011 13:45
I still think that leadership was sadly lacking last season, hard to quantify but most apparent in the awful display in Glasgow. Where is that going to come from for next season ?
Hopefully Tom Rees will be back and able to set the example but it is something that becomes endemic within the club and reveals itself on and off the pitch in a number of ways and from a number of people. There have got to be others, new players included, that can stand up and be counted.
With a new DOR on board we should see signs of his style of play and coaching early on in the campaign.
HEC qualification must be a minimum target.
Hopefully Tom Rees will be back and able to set the example but it is something that becomes endemic within the club and reveals itself on and off the pitch in a number of ways and from a number of people. There have got to be others, new players included, that can stand up and be counted.
With a new DOR on board we should see signs of his style of play and coaching early on in the campaign.
HEC qualification must be a minimum target.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Heathen (IP Logged)
Date: 05/07/2011 15:02
As Banbury says above, the Glasgow game encapsulated everything that was wrong last season.
There were half a dozen games that we lost in the league last year, that we could have won with better leadership, both on and off the field. If that had happened then would have been top 6 at least.
I am optimistic about the coming season.
New leaders on and off the field.
Game management should be a lot better this year.
A functioning lineout and a solid set piece.
A back row that has some athleticism.
A 10 that keeps the opposition honest.
Top 6 should be achievable - playoffs would be even better.
There were half a dozen games that we lost in the league last year, that we could have won with better leadership, both on and off the field. If that had happened then would have been top 6 at least.
I am optimistic about the coming season.
New leaders on and off the field.
Game management should be a lot better this year.
A functioning lineout and a solid set piece.
A back row that has some athleticism.
A 10 that keeps the opposition honest.
Top 6 should be achievable - playoffs would be even better.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: BasilF (IP Logged)
Date: 05/07/2011 15:45
I think we need a 15 who can kick the goals - Robinson is not the most accurate and that could be a problem.
Yes, Simpson and Daly can take over but I don't know just how reliable the former would be and not sure how much the latter will play
Our 10 won't keep the opposition honest if we can't punish them for their transgressions
I don't see Daly as a 15 and hope that trial will not be repeated
Yes, Simpson and Daly can take over but I don't know just how reliable the former would be and not sure how much the latter will play
Our 10 won't keep the opposition honest if we can't punish them for their transgressions
I don't see Daly as a 15 and hope that trial will not be repeated
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: W6Wasp (IP Logged)
Date: 05/07/2011 18:00
I don't think Daly was ever really on trial at 15 - surely playing him there was just a way of keeping him involved whilst playing what the management saw as the top centre pairing available?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:05:18:04:54 by W6Wasp.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:07:05:18:04:54 by W6Wasp.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: zimwasp (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 00:35
Quote:BasilF
I think we need a 15 who can kick the goals - Robinson is not the most accurate and that could be a problem.
Totally agree - one area I think we have been weak at in 2 seasons is control of game (territory) via kicking. Kicking for field position not great since kinga departed. Its good to have gas in back 3 but limits game plan to running return - very predictable.
Kicking for goal should also be improved - hopefully we have a pack to generate penalties - and opposition should think anywhere in their half is a risk to give away.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Hangover (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 09:01
I think we need to pick a Captain and stick with him. All this chopping and changing every game doesn't work. If Reecey is not fit give it to someone else properly until he is.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: BasilF (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 09:40
Dom and Rob were the official VCs last season, but I remember games when Dom played and he wasn't captain (and Rees and Rob were injured)
Agree we need to have a captain and stick with him - and one that will talk to the mascots after leading them out rather than just deserting them - Lol was good at that
Agree we need to have a captain and stick with him - and one that will talk to the mascots after leading them out rather than just deserting them - Lol was good at that
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: dawson9 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 10:17
Agree with the comments about the captaincy - we had 8 (Jacobs, Rees, Hart, Betsen, Birkett, Webber, Ward, Vickery) people start as captain last year.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: jonnydeane (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 10:21
who should it be then? Rees is the man for the job, but when you have Rees it is important to have some able deputies if he will be out with injury for a while, which I imagine was the point of having webber and dom in last year.
the problem now will be that dom is out for a while as will webber and when he returns he will be fighting it out with lindsay for 2nd choice hooker so who is left that will be a regular in the team all season?
wentzel?
the problem now will be that dom is out for a while as will webber and when he returns he will be fighting it out with lindsay for 2nd choice hooker so who is left that will be a regular in the team all season?
wentzel?
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: dawson9 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 11:14
Part of me says it should be taken off Rees. i know the club are saying he's fit and raring to go but we've heard that numerous times before - when was the last time he went a whole season without being injured? Maybe its time to take the captaincy away and let him concentrate on his own game.
I'd go with Wentzel. Always respected as a 'leader' during his time in England and could bring a fresh approach having arrived from outside the club?
I'd go with Wentzel. Always respected as a 'leader' during his time in England and could bring a fresh approach having arrived from outside the club?
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: W6Wasp (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 12:32
I agree with d9 - Rees could benefit by concentrating on looking after himself and as much as I would like to give it to John Hart he's probably not a first choice starter and so Wentzel seems the most sensible option.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Heathen (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 12:34
Wentzel would be my first choice, ably assisted by Robinson and Poff.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: ROUTE 66 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 12:46
I agree totally Daws...re Rees and Wentzel...give Ton a break and let him get back into it again without added pressures. Whatever happens keep the captaincy in the forwards. That's where the game is won and lost....I feel the best and most successful sides mostly have forwards as captains.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Hangover (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 13:51
Yup I think the obvious candidate is Wentzel. It has to be someone who is nailed on as a 1st XV starter every week. Preferably a forward and someone who has some experience would be nice. So for now its Marco or ..........
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: BasilF (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 13:52
I heard that Tom only re-signed last time because he was promised the captaincy; if that is true then not sure how he would take it if it were taken away
Isn't his contract up at the end of this season?
Isn't his contract up at the end of this season?
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Number14 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 14:09
contract up or not - rees doesn't strike me as the tme to ditch wasps after everything the club's done for him.
Wasps have supported him through 2 (or 3?) nearly full seasons of injury. He owes the club something for that and if he's the kind of guy I've always thought, he'll think that way as well.
Wasps have supported him through 2 (or 3?) nearly full seasons of injury. He owes the club something for that and if he's the kind of guy I've always thought, he'll think that way as well.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: dawson9 (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 14:15
His contract runs to the end of next season (summer 2013)
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Hangover (IP Logged)
Date: 06/07/2011 14:30
N14 - agreed, if Tom is fully and I mean FULLY fit I'd go with him, but .......
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: colourbloke (IP Logged)
Date: 09/07/2011 08:07
Reesy for me...........although, if it wasn't for the potential threat of England duty, Simmo.
Maybe that extra bit of responsibility would mean we would keep him for a couple more seasons and prevent the inevitable.
Maybe that extra bit of responsibility would mean we would keep him for a couple more seasons and prevent the inevitable.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Speach (IP Logged)
Date: 09/07/2011 11:29
Blimey! Optimistic thread heads into the gloom within a page! I prefer my cup to be half full, and am confident that the combination of new DOR, new talent and reinvigorated existing talent will bring a positive outcome. I have the comfort of knowing improvement isn't a very big ask. We shall see.
"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat."
Sun Tzu
"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat."
Sun Tzu
Re: Shaw "unattached"
Posted by: WestLondonWasp (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2011 15:14
According to BBC web site England team selection has Saw unattached. Anyone know whether he has left the club.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Number14 (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2011 15:27
westlondonwasp - i suggest you check out the wasps twitter for the answer to your question about shawsie
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Speach (IP Logged)
Date: 04/08/2011 23:03
14 - don't suppose you fancy spilling the beans to the non-twitteratti. Or is this just the same as was debated here a few days ago?
"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat."
Sun Tzu
"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat."
Sun Tzu
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Richardwasp (IP Logged)
Date: 05/08/2011 08:08
one year contract offered, not yet accepted
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: midlander5 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/08/2011 08:32
What contract were you offered Richard?
Keith Johnson
Camra Member 224855.
PS BRING BACK BARNEY WE NEED MORE ARGUMENTS!!!!
Keith Johnson
Camra Member 224855.
PS BRING BACK BARNEY WE NEED MORE ARGUMENTS!!!!
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Peter Brown (IP Logged)
Date: 05/08/2011 18:35
A match day programme and all the dogs he can walk.
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: Richardwasp (IP Logged)
Date: 05/08/2011 18:38
I turned down the offer to watch wasps answer to little and large....
Re: So looking forward to 2011/12?
Posted by: pds18464 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/08/2011 16:23
also on sky commentary that he was 'unattached' at present
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