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Bath Rugby’s Luke Charteris, Tom Dunn, Jonathan Joseph and Beno Obano all return to the starting line-up for tomorrow’s Aviva Premiership clash against Wasps at the Recreation Ground, kick-off 19:45.

Charteris, Dunn and Obano all take their places in the pack, whilst Joseph lines up at outside centre against last year’s Aviva Premiership finalists.

Dunn and Obano are the two changes in the front row, with Henry Thomas continuing at tighthead prop. Charteris will link-up with Charlie Ewels in the second row, with Zach Mercer at number eight, as Bath look to make it two out of two against Dai Young’s side. The 20-year-old will be joined in the back row by captain Matt Garvey and Paul Grant, who switches to openside flanker.

Rhys Priestland returns to fly-half, and will be joined by Kahn Fotuali’i in the half-back combination. In the midfield, there is a start for James Wilson at inside centre, with Joseph providing the support outside the New Zealander.

The back three is unchanged from last weekend’s game against Sale Sharks, with Anthony Watson at fullback and Aled Brew and Jack Wilson occupying the wing positions.

Bath Rugby team to face Wasps

15. Anthony Watson
14. Jack Wilson
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. James Wilson
11. Aled Brew
10. Rhys Priestland
9. Kahn Fotuali’i

1. Beno Obano
2. Tom Dunn
3. Henry Thomas
4. Charlie Ewels
5. Luke Charteris
6. Matt Garvey (c)
7. Paul Grant
8. Zach Mercer

Replacements

16. Michael van Vuuren
17. Lucas Noguera
18. Max Lahiff
19. Elliott Stooke
20. James Phillips
21. Chris Cook
22. Freddie Burns
23. Darren Atkins

[www.bathrugby.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:12:28:12:14:47 by ChiswickWasp.

Is Wilson the guy who used to play for Saints?

Yes he is, played mostly at Full Back IIRC

Too many Wilson’s and Watson’s for my liking!

Like the look of this game....need the points. Good enough to get them.

Is Bananaman injured?

How has Obano been doing? Is he generally 1st choice?

Great back line considering 3 first choice players absent. Good pack and bench. Wonder when Sam Jones and Tommy T will re-appear? Looking forward to this one big time

According to what Dai said a week or so ago, Sam should be back very soon ... maybe for Sarries? TT not this month I would guess.

Obano been doing well. Very destructive in the loose. Not bad in the scrum too.

First time at the rec Barff, we’re having a couple of days there. Is there a regular Wasps pub/ meeting place Tia

Not to my knowledge. I usually eat at Graze then drink at the Rec. But hundreds of pubs and eateries. Maybe for each away trip we should nominate a DW bar - al la Wasps management on European away's. Mind you - I like just to wander and also talk to the Oppo fans.

Prices may have gone up because of this:
[www.bbc.co.uk]

All will be pleased to know Buzzboy and me sinking a few beers here . Cold cold bath.

Quote:

Buzzboy
Obano been doing well. Very destructive in the loose. Not bad in the scrum too.

..and now picked for England training squad! The lad has come on well.

Looking forward to the match tonight, here’s hoping that the cold and strong wind still allows for an entertaining game of rugby and enjoyable evening.

All going well here in Bath but strange lack of Waspies. Weather? Travel? Anyway - all rocking here and so looking forward to KO. Early beers for all so could get messy

Bene Obano played for Cov a few years ago. On loan from Bath. A big unit.

I take it back...pitch looks in good nick. Going looks firm.

Eastmond out, Gaby in

Sitting here 2 min to KO. Wasps running out. Rugby heaven. Great crack with Buzzboy earlier. Come on lads

Lovely pass by WLR, great start.

We've been completely suberb so far, best this season.
Ahhh YY why try and pass out the back of the hand to robson!!!

Exceptional.

This has been marvellous so far. Is there a new wage structure, are they being paid per offload?

Great stuff, keep it up.

I’m watching a bit delayed, 19 mins in.
I’d like us to win something this year, or next, or whenever.....but more than that, what our team is doing tonight is the reason I love rugby. It is such a good attitude.

I think Tom Cruse deserves special praise for the way he's grown already this season and appears totally comfortable at this level, imo.

That's been a painful ten minutes.

Pearce is never going to let us get out of the 22, Hask stepped back exactly when he asked him.to but he was always going to find an offside from somewhere.

Costly yellow, great and dominant first 30, then ill discipline let Bath back in. We need to step it up next forty

Joseph should have been penalised for that ridiculous jump into contact.

Im not able to watch, has discipline tailed off in that second half?

Need to bring Ashley and Moore on quickly in the second half.

As mobile as Cruise is is physique is problematic. Ashley provides ballast. Chesty and JCW need to get under their oppos and lock out.

If we sort out our discipline we can win this, but you cannot keep giving away pens and field position, unless we get Chesty sorted we coukd spend another 10 mins with 14 players on the pitch!

We have played some fantastic rugby 1st half despite missing what I thought was straightforward overlap on the right. Similar to Gloucester, a couple of penalties to put Bath near our line and we concede 2 tries. Bath are going to come hard at us in the 2nd half and we must keep our discipline and make Bath work for territory.

Okay, decent start to the second half!

Pearce not giving us much us he? Though to be fair Watson should've been binned for the first one!

Another yellow. Why did Launch let go of Watson when he tackled him? Willie off for 10.

Watson shouldn't have continued, surely.

Good finish from bath but that is shocking by Pearce, clearly tackled and held on halfway by launch. Obviously we should be not releasing the tackled player!

When your tackled, your tackled?!?!?!

Two advantages there, each over in less time than it takes to say "advantage over".

He doesn't like us, does he?

How have we not put this game away...

Well, there we are.

Beauty versus the Beast

That was a lot closer than it should have been, this sort of finish isn't doing the old raspberry any good.

Why the hell did he kick?

JF
Are you saying that these close finishes make your raspberry hurt?
Can’t say I’ve ever felt that....

Can I have the score please as following you guys in NZ?

Great win boys .... no ref bashing from me ....

Blimey! First 30 was awesome, and no team can live with us. Prob is our ill disciplne let us down, and we let Bath back into it by playing a quarter of the game 1 down! However they are a quality outfit, and was always going to be tight! But the resukt is a fair and true reflection of the game, and another 5 points in the bag! Lots to work on, but well done lads! Roll on 2018!

Quote:

Wilberforce
JF
Are you saying that these close finishes make your raspberry hurt?
Can’t say I’ve ever felt that....

Are we talking about the same sort of raspberry?

Quote:

Sudburyandbeyond
Can I have the score please as following you guys in NZ?

26-31

Carley got it spot on throughout the game, cannot criticise him at all, rightly punished every descretion.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:12:29:21:39:27 by wombles222.

Quote:

wombles222
carley got it spot on throughout the game, cannot criticise him at all, rightly punished every descretion.

Pearce did a great job as well

Thank You. Is that the final score and did we get the try bonus point, sorry I am very demanding!

What a game. Drunk and happy at the Rec. Hic

Brilliant! Well played guys!!

Wow - that was hairy....being a Wasps supporter certainly isn't good for the old ticket.....having led 3 tries up.

Great performance

Quote:

ukms

Quote:

wombles222
carley got it spot on throughout the game, cannot criticise him at all, rightly punished every descretion.

Pearce did a great job as well

Except Joseph jumping into the tackle, Watson being down, and Bath being constantly offside

JdeJ brilliant, Cips and Robson superb. Launch phenomenal (even with the drop). Young, Carr and Haskell all strong too. And well played Cruse, brilliant game.

Wally his usual self.

Thank You. Is that the final score and did we get the try bonus point, sorry I am very demanding!

Yes. 5 tries in the end.

“This machine kills fascists�
Woody Guthrie's guitar.

Wally his usual self.

I think you are being a more than a tad harsh. Unnecessary.

“This machine kills fascists�
Woody Guthrie's guitar.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:12:29:21:50:57 by RossM.

They nearly blew it . Good win though. We seem to be running out of players.

Dan Robson was excellent but I'm a bit worried with all the bandages around his knee.

Quote:

Nomad_Wasp

Quote:

ukms

Quote:

wombles222
carley got it spot on throughout the game, cannot criticise him at all, rightly punished every descretion.

Pearce did a great job as well

Except Joseph jumping into the tackle, Watson being down, and Bath being constantly offside

1 mistake, 1 marginal call and your subjective calls on offside, in 80 mins. Seems pretty good to me.

Peirce had as good a game as any prem ref (== not fantastic, but OK), so don't knock it or him.

I AM SOOOO PROUD OF OUR GUYS. Launch, you deserved MOTM. You are a legend. Work rate == 125%



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:12:29:22:07:56 by NellyWellyWaspy.

Thank You Ukms and Ross for the updates. Sounds like a good game and brilliant to get 5 points at the Rec.
Bring on Sarries.
Happy New Year

Great game. First 30 mins some of the best rugby I've ever seen simply brilliant.

[robsbl0g.blogspot.co.uk]
@robsmithrugby

Quote:

Spikey910

Quote:

Nomad_Wasp

Quote:

ukms

Quote:

wombles222
carley got it spot on throughout the game, cannot criticise him at all, rightly punished every descretion.

Pearce did a great job as well

Except Joseph jumping into the tackle, Watson being down, and Bath being constantly offside

1 mistake, 1 marginal call and your subjective calls on offside, in 80 mins. Seems pretty good to me.

Yep .... nothing at all to complain about .... rub of the green both ways on a couple of calls .... thought he let the game flow very well and was generally decisive on what he saw.

Sorry but if the officials are not up to the standard that professional sport requires they have to expect some criticism. If you do it when you lose you are going to be labelled a sore loser so the right time is following a victory. A Watson was clearly tackled, held and brought to ground. He got straight to his feet without releasing the ball, if we are going to play the sport to the IRB laws, that is illegal, Bath gained a massive advantage, clear penalty to Wasps. Instead, they advance to our 5m line, WLR is yellow carded and we concede 7 points. Absolutely unacceptable, that could EASILY have cost us the match. Had Wayne Barnes or perhaps JP Doyle been in the middle that is unlikely to have happened, it is a law they are aware of and I have seen them both penalise players for the offence. Why is there sure a huge variation on how this sport is refereed????

If it's a law we want to abolish, fair enough, get rid of it but it's still in the law book; Law 15.5 (b) A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release it... Sanction Penalty Kick

For Sudburyandbeyond

Tries:

Priestland, Wilson, Grant, Mercer

Watson (2), Robson, de Jongh, Lovobalavu

3 conversions each.

“This machine kills fascists�
Woody Guthrie's guitar.

Quote:

Nigel Med
Sorry but if the officials are not up to the standard that professional sport requires they have to expect some criticism. If you do it when you lose you are going to be labelled a sore loser so the right time is following a victory. A Watson was clearly tackled, held and brought to ground. He got straight to his feet without releasing the ball, if we are going to play the sport to the IRB laws, that is illegal, Bath gained a massive advantage, clear penalty to Wasps. Instead, they advance to our 5m line, WLR is yellow carded and we concede 7 points. Absolutely unacceptable, that could EASILY have cost us the match. Had Wayne Barnes or perhaps JP Doyle been in the middle that is unlikely to have happened, it is a law they are aware of and I have seen them both penalise players for the offence. Why is there sure a huge variation on how this sport is refereed????
If it's a law we want to abolish, fair enough, get rid of it but it's still in the law book; Law 15.5 (b) A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release it... Sanction Penalty Kick

Can't really say cos only seen it in real time but if he was released before knees hit the ground it's no tackle - looked marginal in real time, so bias to the ref.

[robsbl0g.blogspot.co.uk]
@robsmithrugby

What is all this Carley stuff?

What is all this Carley stuff?

A case of mistaken identity

“This machine kills fascists�
Woody Guthrie's guitar.

Quote:

westwaleswasp
What is all this Carley stuff?

MY bad! In my excitement mixed up Carley with Pearce!

Great game. We suffered because of the 2 yellow cards.
Where does Launchbury get his energy from. Seemed to be everywhere.
Backs generally played very well - including Willy. CIPD in charge generally & seemed to have so much time.

Did anyone notice the pull passes coming from McIntyre? Sensational.

With the Joseph jump, what I thought was really bad was Pierce even says he's happy Joseph jumped into the tackle and thats why he flipped over Lovabolovu, and it wasn't a result of foul play. So surely that's a penalty against him?

You cant have players jumping into tackles, the law is there for a reason. Sinoti knocked Eastmond out doing it. Refs need to be hotter on this

Looks like we have the wrong Watson too.
Theirs was a super bright spark for an otherwise ambition-less Bath. Ours could have had a Mayesque 2 yellows, though he was fine other than that. He is probably a bit cheaper though.

I thought WLR was outstanding today, Cipriani and Robson... sublime. Props to Gaby for stepping up. De Jong (sp?) was super too.

Can someone explain what Marty Moore was penalised for?
The replay clearly showed the ball on the wasps side with Bath players on the ground trying to pull it back. Moore’s body position looked like he was trying to handle the ball illegally but the ball wasn’t actually there so what was his infringement?

Launch wow immense especially at the end when he didn’t seem to know what to do with the ball when time was up, funny. Launch - player of the season already.

Quote:

Marlow Nick
Can someone explain what Marty Moore was penalised for?
The replay clearly showed the ball on the wasps side with Bath players on the ground trying to pull it back. Moore’s body position looked like he was trying to handle the ball illegally but the ball wasn’t actually there so what was his infringement?

Agreed. Rose was silent when Wasps were not at fault. I do not like not being able to hear the reflink.

Great attacking performance and pretty good control of the second yellow period after the restart. No poor performances in a white shirt tonight. We'll need a different game plan next week I think!

Presumably the Carley references are because suggesting Pearce put in a reasonable performance here is unconscionable?

I struggle with the concept of a team conceding only 4 pens in 80mins though! Well played Bath on that count alone.

"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat."
Sun Tzu

Launchers in the form of his life right now and just a pity that he didn't hold on to the pass that would have secured the victory before those stressful last few mins. What we did really well during the WLR yellow was to hold on to the ball through many phases in and around their 22. Our attack looked very potent with Cips and Robson exceptional as well as the link between backs and forwards. Scrum seemed to struggle at times but looked stronger with changes. I'm sure Dai and his coaching team will spend most review time on our defense next week since they seemed to score too easily at times.

All in all a wonderful end to 2017, one of our best years in a long time. Well done to all of the players and staff and here's hoping to an even better 2018.

Wow what a game.

Anthony Watson looks likes England’s best full back. But outplayed by WLR who looks like the Worlds best full back.

Dan Robson and Joe Launberry would be England starters to anyone looking on with fresh eyes.

First half virtually not a single handling error nor penalty nor turnover. God like rugby.

I really enjoyed the puntdits on the game as well. They love the wasps game style. So entertaining to watch and so much fun to commentate on.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:12:30:03:14:44 by M40.

Quote:

westwaleswasp
Looks like we have the wrong Watson too.
Theirs was a super bright spark for an otherwise ambition-less Bath. Ours could have had a Mayesque 2 yellows, though he was fine other than that. He is probably a bit cheaper though.

I thought WLR was outstanding today, Cipriani and Robson... sublime. Props to Gaby for stepping up. De Jong (sp?) was super too.

When I look at the scoreboard our Watson had two tries, theirs none! Not with you on that, although I agree with your other points.

Watson has played less first XV rugger this year, and given more time will I am sure improve no end! He is rapid, but although 2 years older than his brother, needs more game time to gain more experience and sporting maturity.

I want him in our squad!

Quote:

Nigel Med
Sorry but if the officials are not up to the standard that professional sport requires they have to expect some criticism. If you do it when you lose you are going to be labelled a sore loser so the right time is following a victory. A Watson was clearly tackled, held and brought to ground. He got straight to his feet without releasing the ball, if we are going to play the sport to the IRB laws, that is illegal, Bath gained a massive advantage, clear penalty to Wasps. Instead, they advance to our 5m line, WLR is yellow carded and we concede 7 points. Absolutely unacceptable, that could EASILY have cost us the match. Had Wayne Barnes or perhaps JP Doyle been in the middle that is unlikely to have happened, it is a law they are aware of and I have seen them both penalise players for the offence. Why is there sure a huge variation on how this sport is refereed????
If it's a law we want to abolish, fair enough, get rid of it but it's still in the law book; Law 15.5 (b) A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release it... Sanction Penalty Kick

Oh get over it. It’s really not ‘unacceptable’ - one marginal decision went against us. Try using your other eye as well. If you really don’t understand why Rugby refereeing has variation, you don’t understand the game. Try reffing yourself and you’ll see it’s a bit tougher than from the arm chair

Can I just say how brilliant rugby is. Big win. Big friends and big night @#$%& here in Bath. So many Barf mates and admire our rugby. Loveky day

Quote:

Spikey910
... Try reffing yourself and you’ll see it’s a bit tougher than from the arm chair ...

That is IS. VERY difficult. That's why I love reflink. Today I think Mr Pearce put up with too much chat that was distracting him. When I listen to reflink you can here what is on the ref's mind.

I have a lot of admiration for the refs. No refs == no game. I think that ALL games should have reflinks. Let the fans listen and understand. The players know they are being ref'd fairly and well. I would love that job, but I am not fit enough and not anywhere near good enough. And THAT IS the point, is it not?

Quote:

Nigel Med
Sorry but if the officials are not up to the standard that professional sport requires they have to expect some criticism. If you do it when you lose you are going to be labelled a sore loser so the right time is following a victory. A Watson was clearly tackled, held and brought to ground. He got straight to his feet without releasing the ball, if we are going to play the sport to the IRB laws, that is illegal, Bath gained a massive advantage, clear penalty to Wasps. Instead, they advance to our 5m line, WLR is yellow carded and we concede 7 points. Absolutely unacceptable, that could EASILY have cost us the match. Had Wayne Barnes or perhaps JP Doyle been in the middle that is unlikely to have happened, it is a law they are aware of and I have seen them both penalise players for the offence. Why is there sure a huge variation on how this sport is refereed????
If it's a law we want to abolish, fair enough, get rid of it but it's still in the law book; Law 15.5 (b) A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release it... Sanction Penalty Kick

One decision whether right or wrong doesn’t make Pearce ‘not up to standard’

With regards to your argument a player has to be held by the tackler for the tackle to be complete ..... perhaps the ref didn’t consider Watson held, a split second decision which is fine by me.

Quote:

Spikey910

Quote:

Nigel Med
Sorry but if the officials are not up to the standard that professional sport requires they have to expect some criticism. If you do it when you lose you are going to be labelled a sore loser so the right time is following a victory. A Watson was clearly tackled, held and brought to ground. He got straight to his feet without releasing the ball, if we are going to play the sport to the IRB laws, that is illegal, Bath gained a massive advantage, clear penalty to Wasps. Instead, they advance to our 5m line, WLR is yellow carded and we concede 7 points. Absolutely unacceptable, that could EASILY have cost us the match. Had Wayne Barnes or perhaps JP Doyle been in the middle that is unlikely to have happened, it is a law they are aware of and I have seen them both penalise players for the offence. Why is there sure a huge variation on how this sport is refereed????
If it's a law we want to abolish, fair enough, get rid of it but it's still in the law book; Law 15.5 (b) A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release it... Sanction Penalty Kick

Oh get over it. It’s really not ‘unacceptable’ - one marginal decision went against us. Try using your other eye as well. If you really don’t understand why Rugby refereeing has variation, you don’t understand the game. Try reffing yourself and you’ll see it’s a bit tougher than from the arm chair

Spent many years refereeing for the Kent Society, won most improved referee one season, award handed to me at the Refree's dinner by one W Barnes, one of very few refs in Kent ever to be promoted two levels in one jump, elevated to Kent-Sussex Federation, ended my career at level 7. Not sure how many games I refereed but it's in 3 figures. Trust me I am aware of the challenges, and I never had a TMO and only had appointed TJs at county matches.

I'm not blaming any of the officials, nobody takes to the field to referee badly. The investment in their training and conditioning is laughable, the game has moved on massively, the athleticism of players is remarkable and all teams have a large line up of coaching staff. Refereeing has fallen way behind and needs a huge injection of cash. Tell me why a multi-million pound sport has part time referee's assistants (touch judges)? Are we really supposed to believe that we can't afford a fully professional team of three at every Premiership match? six games a week, 18 professional officials. Work out the cost of that compared to the cost of 12 professional squads.

I'm not just complaining because Wasps got a bad call against them, I see howlers at many games I watch at the top levels, all supporters, coaches and players deserve better.

Yawn. Get real and get yourselves to a game

Cips was motm for me for that first 30 minutes alone. He was a joy to watch tonight. Deserved that try as well, haven't seen it close up or a replay but there was a suspicion of a knock on from the tackle.

Sure, Ugo might have been goaded into focussing on his defensive frailties by Ben Kay, but I'd rather have him than any other 10 in the world on that first 30 form.

Best news that I want to hear in the next couple of weeks is that DC has re-signed. Probably our most important signing aside from Launch. Two players to build your team around.

Quote:

Marlow Nick
Can someone explain what Marty Moore was penalised for?
The replay clearly showed the ball on the wasps side with Bath players on the ground trying to pull it back. Moore’s body position looked like he was trying to handle the ball illegally but the ball wasn’t actually there so what was his infringement?

The penalty at the end? He wasnt supporting his body weight when he started to compete for the ball, so regardless of the bath players trying to pull it back he wasn't legal.

Quote:

Gaz
... Best news that I want to hear in the next couple of weeks is that DC has re-signed. Probably our most important signing aside from Launch. Two players to build your team around.

++1

Wow what a game to watch. Was lucky enough to be there in person surrounded by the Bath faithful. But to their credit they enjoyed the match and were sporting about the result. Some great banter. And well done to the ALLEZ crew who made themselves heard very well. Launch was even chasing Robson’s box kicks. What a motor. Installed in Bristol hotel now and sightseeing and breakfast with a friend tomorrow. Was a great drink and meal with Kent. Thank you! Oh and I even got asked which one was the South stand by Nick Knowles as he walked towards the ground.... Cut out mistakes and we really could challenge for silverware this season.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:12:29:23:40:28 by Buzzboy.

Quote:

Nigel Med

I'm not blaming any of the officials, .

But you were blaming the officials (for the Watson tackle) inferring Pearce wasn’t up to standard !

Your refereeing experience is impressive..... did you ever make a mistake or a call that others disagreed with ? If so does that make you sub standard ?

Quote:

Spikey910

Quote:

westwaleswasp
Looks like we have the wrong Watson too.
Theirs was a super bright spark for an otherwise ambition-less Bath. Ours could have had a Mayesque 2 yellows, though he was fine other than that. He is probably a bit cheaper though.

I thought WLR was outstanding today, Cipriani and Robson... sublime. Props to Gaby for stepping up. De Jong (sp?) was super too.

When I look at the scoreboard our Watson had two tries, theirs none! Not with you on that, although I agree with your other points.

To be fair I said our Watson was fine, and he was- apart from what could have been two yellows.
Theirs was, however, ludicrously good.
I am happy with Marcus as a choice behind Bassett/Wade (or ED)- and would not suggest differently.

What a great way to finish 2017. That's 6 on the bounce now in the premiership, with five try scoring bonus points. Lots of players to come back to add to our options, I've got a feeling 2018 will be another exciting year.

Quote:

HenryBukowski

Quote:

Marlow Nick
Can someone explain what Marty Moore was penalised for?
The replay clearly showed the ball on the wasps side with Bath players on the ground trying to pull it back. Moore’s body position looked like he was trying to handle the ball illegally but the ball wasn’t actually there so what was his infringement?

The penalty at the end? He wasnt supporting his body weight when he started to compete for the ball, so regardless of the bath players trying to pull it back he wasn't legal.

My point is that I dont believe Marty had hands on the ball. I agree it LOOKED like he was handling the ball while not supporting his body but that’s not what the TV replay showed. I don’t blame Pearce. Bit disappointed that the commentators didn’t apologise to Marty - they showed the clip with the ball and continued to criticise him

Quote:

Buzzboy
Wow what a game to watch. Was lucky enough to be there in person surrounded by the Bath faithful. But to their credit they enjoyed the match and were sporting about the result. Some great banter. And well done to the ALLEZ crew who made themselves heard very well. Launch was even chasing Robson’s box kicks. What a motor. Installed in Bristol hotel now and sightseeing and breakfast with a friend tomorrow. Was a great drink and meal with Kent. Thank you! Oh and I even got asked which one was the South stand by Nick Knowles as he walked towards the ground.... Cut out mistakes and we really could challenge for silverware this season.

Great to meet you Buzzboy and what a marvelous cracker of a game. Barf Faithfull on my side not so amused at me and fellow Waspies frequent try celebrations. Great evening. See you at Bletchley one day I hope. Cheers

What an entertaining game of rugby. If ever there was a game that showed possession was king that’s was it. If we had it we looked like a rugby dream team, when Bath got it we were under massive pressure from their set pieces and that is what makes the game so entertaining isn’t it?

Some of the play in the last couple of mins must’ve had the coaches going crazy but tiredness definitely played it’s part.

I only played rugby at school but I’ve got to say I cannot understand why Marcus Watson deliberately knocked on in 1st half (some would say for second time) to get his deserved yellow. Yes Bath were in a good position but by no means certain to score. That single play gave Bath the foothold to get into the game.

On the reffing - I agree with nellywelly, any prem game is a tough gig for any ref. I would like a return to the old days where the team Captain only is allowed to challenge the ref and then to accept the decision given, the TMO has the ref's back these days..... I think sometimes the ref may punish a team that is too vocal, when 50/50's occur the decision maybe be easier to give to the non offending team. Time for the boys to button up and let Launch do his job, which he does very well.

Excellent team display well done to all. Wasps are playing the most entertaining rugby I have seen for many years. Quite brilliant.

I don't think the team captain is allowed to challenge the ref.
He's allowed to ask what a penalty is for. That's all.

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westwaleswasp

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Spikey910

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westwaleswasp
Looks like we have the wrong Watson too.
Theirs was a super bright spark for an otherwise ambition-less Bath. Ours could have had a Mayesque 2 yellows, though he was fine other than that. He is probably a bit cheaper though.

I thought WLR was outstanding today, Cipriani and Robson... sublime. Props to Gaby for stepping up. De Jong (sp?) was super too.

When I look at the scoreboard our Watson had two tries, theirs none! Not with you on that, although I agree with your other points.

To be fair I said our Watson was fine, and he was- apart from what could have been two yellows.
Theirs was, however, ludicrously good.
I am happy with Marcus as a choice behind Bassett/Wade (or ED)- and would not suggest differently.

I’ll add that I’m also a big fan of Anthony and if WLR moves on, I’d love Marcus and Dai to persuade him he’d have a ball in our side!

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Nigel Med

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Spikey910

Quote:

Nigel Med
Sorry but if the officials are not up to the standard that professional sport requires they have to expect some criticism. If you do it when you lose you are going to be labelled a sore loser so the right time is following a victory. A Watson was clearly tackled, held and brought to ground. He got straight to his feet without releasing the ball, if we are going to play the sport to the IRB laws, that is illegal, Bath gained a massive advantage, clear penalty to Wasps. Instead, they advance to our 5m line, WLR is yellow carded and we concede 7 points. Absolutely unacceptable, that could EASILY have cost us the match. Had Wayne Barnes or perhaps JP Doyle been in the middle that is unlikely to have happened, it is a law they are aware of and I have seen them both penalise players for the offence. Why is there sure a huge variation on how this sport is refereed????
If it's a law we want to abolish, fair enough, get rid of it but it's still in the law book; Law 15.5 (b) A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release it... Sanction Penalty Kick

Oh get over it. It’s really not ‘unacceptable’ - one marginal decision went against us. Try using your other eye as well. If you really don’t understand why Rugby refereeing has variation, you don’t understand the game. Try reffing yourself and you’ll see it’s a bit tougher than from the arm chair

Spent many years refereeing for the Kent Society, won most improved referee one season, award handed to me at the Refree's dinner by one W Barnes, one of very few refs in Kent ever to be promoted two levels in one jump, elevated to Kent-Sussex Federation, ended my career at level 7. Not sure how many games I refereed but it's in 3 figures. Trust me I am aware of the challenges, and I never had a TMO and only had appointed TJs at county matches.

I'm not blaming any of the officials, nobody takes to the field to referee badly. The investment in their training and conditioning is laughable, the game has moved on massively, the athleticism of players is remarkable and all teams have a large line up of coaching staff. Refereeing has fallen way behind and needs a huge injection of cash. Tell me why a multi-million pound sport has part time referee's assistants (touch judges)? Are we really supposed to believe that we can't afford a fully professional team of three at every Premiership match? six games a week, 18 professional officials. Work out the cost of that compared to the cost of 12 professional squads.

I'm not just complaining because Wasps got a bad call against them, I see howlers at many games I watch at the top levels, all supporters, coaches and players deserve better.

Ok, respect for your reffing experience, you’re not just the arm chair exponent I accused you of! - but I still struggle to reconcile your first post with someone of your experience.

Nigel, there are those of us in this world who have brandished a whistle, and those who have not. We of the former category are rarely understood by those who fall in the latter. Don’t let their ignorance (in the strict meaning of the word) and a lack of empathy for the role of the man in the middle upset you.

The tackle on Watson from Launchbury was a perfectly good tackle and Watson should have released the ball. That was a poor decision

Quote:

Peter Brown
Nigel, there are those of us in this world who have brandished a whistle, and those who have not. We of the former category are rarely understood by those who fall in the latter. Don’t let their ignorance (in the strict meaning of the word) and a lack of empathy for the role of the man in the middle upset you.

Very profound... what's it mean though?

Quote:

Peter Brown
Nigel, there are those of us in this world who have brandished a whistle, and those who have not. We of the former category are rarely understood by those who fall in the latter. Don’t let their ignorance (in the strict meaning of the word) and a lack of empathy for the role of the man in the middle upset you.

I actually think that he was the one showing a lack of empathy for the man in the middle (Pearce) ..... in other words refs are not perfect and make mistakes .... it doesn’t make them sub standard though. By the way he must be a frail little soul if he was upset by what was written on here .... but good of you to support him