In-form Wasps braced for tough challenge against ‘quality side’ Bath
WASPS are refusing to get carried away by their rout of Gallagher Premiership champions Exeter as they look to continue their climb up the table at Bath tonight.
Last season’s runners-up overwhelmed the Chiefs 34-5 in round five’s rematch of the 2020 final at Twickenham, albeit with Rob Baxter choosing to rest his international contingent.
Having started the new campaign slowly, the win saw Wasps explode into life in spectacular fashion with tonight’s trip to the Recreation Ground to come.
“We were frustrated that at the start of the season, that we didn’t really kick on from the way we finished the previous season,” said defence coach Ian Costello.
“It’s been slowly building and that was definitely our most complete 80-minute performance, but when you start thinking you’re there you’re probably in a bit of trouble.
“We’d seen bits and pieces earlier in the season, but that was our most rounded performance in terms of attack, set-piece and defence.
“We’d seen glimpses of those things but against Exeter they came together more consistently. The attitude of the boys cemented that.
“When you go to Bath you have to be prepared to go deep. They’re a quality side with threats all over the park. I wouldn’t expected Friday to be any different.”
Wasps are boosted by Jack Willis’ return from a hip injury that prevented him from appearing for the second half at the Ricoh Arena last Saturday.
Tonight’s other fixture sees Sale attempt to maintain pressure on top two Exeter and Bristol when they host struggling Worcester.
Edinburgh co-captain Grant Gilchrist will return for tonight’s Guinness PRO14 derby against Glasgow. The forward has been out since October because of a groin injury and is joined in the second row by Gloucester-bound Andrew Davidson.