Director of Rugby Alan Solomons spoke to the media today ahead of Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership match against Wasps.
Here’s what Alan had to say:
On the Harlequins European Challenge Cup quarter-final
- We dominated the match but we made too many unforced errors and the consequence was the opportunities we had to score tries were missed.
- We turned over too much ball and that cost us the match. Apart from the turnovers we can take a lot of confidence from the game.
- We scrummed very well, dominated the collisions, the possession and territory on the night but if you make too many unforced errors you pay the price.
An overall view of the Challenge Cup campaign
- We have made full use of the squad and everybody contributed.
- We had a good record in the round robin winning five out of six matches and two of our three away games.
On Cavaliers victory against Northampton Wanderers
- That was a terrific performance. It was great to see some of the young guys playing so well.
- It’s tough to single out people because across the board everyone played well.
- It was a tremendous game to watch and if they can produce another performance like that against Wasps at Sixways next Monday, then I back them to win it.
On Wasps
- It’s another big game. They are at home and it’s a big challenge for us but we are looking forward to it.
- When we played them at home on the first day of the season it came down to a drop goal attempt at the end. Perhaps we didn’t quite get the rub of the goal but that sometimes happen. But it’s a completely different time now and the season has moved on.
- Wasps are a good side. We have got to be a little bit wary of how they have played of late. They have got quality right across the team.
Injuries
- Ted Hill, Nick Schonert, Marco Mama and Anton Bresler were all given the chance to rest minor injuries last week and have trained this week.
- Bryce Heem had a bit of discomfort underneath a foot but he should be fine this weekend.
- Josh Adams I gave Josh a five day break having gone straight into the game at Bristol off the back of a Grand Slam. He has trained this week and has come back fresh and he feels good.
- Jack Singleton has trained this week but it may be a week too early for him to play at Wasps.
- Jamie Shillcock has a muscle injury which he got from kicking and which is causing him a problem. It’s an injury that’s between four and eight weeks so there is a possibility that he might not be available this season.
- Jono Lance has come through his HIA protocols and is available for selection.
- Cornell du Preez had a very industrious 25 minutes against Harlequins and he looked very good.