Director of Rugby Alan Solomons spoke to the media today ahead of the Gallagher Premiership matches against Harlequins on Wednesday and at Exeter Chiefs on Sunday.
Here’s what Alan had to say:
On the performance at Wasps
- We did really well for the first 60 minutes, the first 20 in particular when we went 14-3 up.
- We had an opportunity to put ourselves in a powerful position on the 50 minutes mark when we kicked two penalties to the corner, mauled infield but then got turned over.
- The game swung when we won a penalty in our own half, won the lineout but then got penalised. They kicked the penalty to the corner and they drove over for a try.
- The bench was also an important factor. They brought on more experienced players and that made a huge difference. Lewis Holsey, who is a fantastic prospect, is only 19 and he came up against a tighthead who has played a game for the All Blacks.
- We had seven Premiership debutants, four of whom have recently progressed to the senior squad from our Academy and two who are still on the Academy.
- Those boys played really well which was a big plus for us but Wasps’ experience told in the final 20 minutes.
Is it likely to be a different side that will face Harlequins?
- Because of the COVID-19 situation the games are coming thick and fast so we have a five day turn round between Wasps and Harlequins, four days for Exeter and five days before we face Bristol then Bath.
- So it’s inevitable that you will see squad rotation which gives all of your youngsters opportunities. It also gives our new coaching team to bed in their systems.
Is the aim to finish in the top eight or build for the 2020/21 season?
- Obviously we would like to finish as high as we can in the league but this period is also critical preparation for next season.
- In the nine games in this block everyone will have had an opportunity to be viewed and to get used to the systems that the new coaching team are building in.
On facing Harlequins
- It’s about our performance. We have to play well but we also have to play well for 80 minutes.
If we get our performance right we have every chance of getting the outcome we want. - I would like to see us bring the same energy and urgency on Wednesday that we brought on Friday night.
- It’s also about dealing with momentum swings in the game as well and staying focused for 80 minutes.
- Quins have become a very physical outfit and their defence has tightened up under Paul Gustard who is a defence coach out of the Saracens stable.
What have you made of performances in the two matches so far?
- Our attack is a work in progress but a big work on for us is our discipline. Wasps had 79 per cent territory and possession in the last 20 minutes and we gave away 17 penalties, six of them in that period.
- We have also shone a alight on our play off the ball.
How do you rate Exeter?
- They are a terrific side. I really admire the way that they have built their club. Rob Baxter and everyone at the club has done a fantastic job.
- I will be surprised if they don’t win the Premiership because they are a quality team.
- We need to make sure that front up because they are a physical power team.
Injuries
- Will Butler and Tom Dodd both have to go through the HIA protocols but there were no new injuries on Friday.