The Wasps scrum certainly came out not intending to allow a repetition of last years engagement. In fact it is a while since I have seen the Saints pack puched around like that. At least for the first 30 minutes. But playing at that intensity takes its toll and the Wasps weren't able to maintain the pressure for the full match and that, most probably, is the reason behind the final score. To add salt to the wounds, the two Saints tries came from the props, Tiny and Mooj.
The game was scrappy from the Saints point of view. A lot of near misses but difficulty in stringing together the final pass at the crucual moment. Some wonderful breaks by Vaseline who once again looked threatening, but Ryan Lamb was neutralised quite effectively and couldn't unlock the backs. Add to that a couple of missed kicks and it would be fair to say a difficult day for him. One of his penalties was deemed to not go over but he was convinced otherwise and called for the TMO, but it was impossible to tell on the reply as the ball went too high, and it was finally not given despite Lamby shaking his head repeatedly.
While some penalties were traded early on, the first try actually came from the Waps while they were a man down. Tim Payne had been shown a yellow after throwing a punch at Callum (who, for once, didn't retaliate but made sure he got the linesmans attention instead). Somewhat against the run of play Wasps had the ball and Jo Simpson put in a lovely probing kick that Flash failed to collect. Wade took the ball and threw what looked like a speculative pass but instead went straight to Riki Flutey who was then able to dive in at the corner. It was a lovely try and one of the moments of the match. Some more penalties and the Saints went in slightly ahead but wondering how to break the Wasps defence.
When all else fails then look to the forwards. Two minutes into the second half and Tiny went over after some lovely ball handling. Two turnovers gave the Saints the ball and it was quickly heading down the line. A forwar pass from Courtney was missed by the linesman and suddenly Vaseline was breaking for the line. He couldn't quite get there and was brought to ground but Tiny gathered the ball and dived forward, his long arm extending, ball in hand to touch down. The momentum of the game shifted and the Saints looked in charge. 10 minutes later and Mooj scored after a run from the 22, bursting through a tackle from Nicky Robinson and just making it to the whitewash before Jo Simpson caught him.
At this point Saints fans would have relaxed a little. But the Wasps do not le down and die. Soon they were back and pushing. The last 15 minutes of the game was mainly played in the Saints territory and a soft try for Filipino, Flash looking for where the ball might go rather than where it was, saw the gap close. But the final play saw another turnover from the Saints and the ball was cleared to the sound of the refs whistle and another victory.
Both the ref and the linesmen were poor and detracted from the game. The Saints deserved to win but instead the focus was on a number of poor decision from the officials. Before Wasps fans get too agitated it is worth pointing out that the penalty count was high for both teams and I believe that the Saints got pinged more often. Be that as it may, at this level the refs need to be consistent and show an understanding of the game.
MOM went to Courtney. Despite a ban at the World Cup and also a yellow card the other week, Courtney is still packing in the power at the tackle. One on Nicky Robinson early on in the game was especially brutal (but legal) and Nicky was left on the ground need help from the physios. It isn't just the power but the speed that causes the opposition the problem, as Courtney appears from nowhere going like a steam train. Rugby is a physical sport, and Courtney wants to instill fear in his opponents, if they can even have a split second when they are wondering if he is going to hit them then there is more chance they will make a mistake.
Match Details
- Half Time 8-12
- Attendance 8,222
- Referee Tim Wigglesworth
- MOM Courtnet
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