Sting or be stung? - Wasps Preview

By BrianC
February 23 2005

On Sunday we welcome Wasps to the Madjeski Stadium The game has a noon kick off to allow for the Six Nations matches, most notably Ireland vs England, which are being played later that day.

Our worst ZP run in seven years was ended in some style last weekend as we trounced Saracens, picking up a try bonus point in the process. Whilst we are still not totally safe from the threat of relegation it now looks to be Saints, Quins and Worcs who are going down to the wire. One more victory from our remaining six games would certainly see us safe as would a few bonus points. Given that in our remaining games we play the teams that are currently 4th 5th and 6th in the table there is even a chance that we could climb from our current 8th position into the top half of the table. Cup aside, the door to Heineken Cup qualification by dint of our league position is not yet closed.

So, what are our chances of securing a victory on Sunday? Given Wasps lofty position in the table the bookmakers will probably have them down as favorites for this game. They will be somewhat depleted by International call ups but that does not mean they will be fielding a weak side. As we found to our cost against Sale a few weeks ago if you are against a class team even their second choice players are formidable. Let's make no mistake about it Wasps are a class outfit. This will not be an easy game.

Our last meeting with Wasps was in September when we went down  35 - 26 at the Causeway Stadium. This game was one of those where we snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, we were 12 - 19 up ten minutes into the second half.

Our last home game against Wasps, on Boxing Day 2003, attracted a crowd of 20.3k. Whilst we won't be near to that for this game it should be a good crowd. 

It is a long time since we have beaten Wasps either home or away, 24th Feb 2002 to be precise. Before last weeks wonderful result I would have has this game marked as one which would stretch that run of Wasps success even further. Now I'm cautiously optimistic that we can give them a run for their money.