Wasps ready for LAUNCH
KEY MEN READY TO GIVE DAI BIG BOOST
ALTHOUGH Wasps will be battling a five-day turnaround when they face Ulster tomorrow evening, their shirts will at least be badged with an insect rather than a red cross.
Dai Young’s squad was down to the barest of bones after the home defeat by Bath ten days ago, when more than a full XV reported to the physio rather than the Broadstreet training pitch.
But since then five senior players made a problem-free return against Saracens, while another four are set to make the cut for the European opener at the Kingspan Stadium. While Wasps’ boss was disappointed to lose at Allianz Park on Sunday, he was able to take some comfort from Willie le Roux, Dan Robson and James Gaskell joining short-term absentees Marty Moore and Matt Mullan in making a successful comeback.
In addition, for the first time this season, no new injuries were sustained.
“Dan came off the bench last week and had no adverse reaction,” he said, “And it was great to see James Gaskell back.
“He was fine, as was Willie le Roux – they’re both a bit stiff and sore but they’ve done full training this week.
“It also doesn’t look like we’ve lost anyone from the weekend, which is unusual for us this year so far.”
Young confirmed that his skipper, Joe Launchbury, who was rested last weekend will be part of the squad in Belfast, where he should be joined by three other important figures.
“Launchers is definitely back in the mix,” he said.
“Resting him was my decision, not Joe’s, because I felt if he played another game it was very unlikely he would have been fit for this week with the five-day turnaround.
“Simon McIntyre will also be fine – he’s 100 per cent now after having an injection in his knee to take some
inflammation away. That meant a couple of days out which was why he didn’t play last week.
“Nathan Hughes and Jimmy Gopperth have done a bit and looked quite promising, but they’ll have full fitness tests.
“Jimmy’s had a bit of a strain but he’s done as much the physios would allow him and he’s pretty comfortable.
“Obviously he’ll have to come on again but we’re pretty confident.
“Everyone has to pull together in these circumstances, but getting Gaskell and Robson and Le Roux back last week was a big boost.
“Getting Jimmy, Nathan and Launchers back will also make a big difference to us, and that’s no disrespect to the guys who played.
“I was really pleased with the youngsters; it must have been a very proud moment for the Willis family, I thought those two boys were excellent, but any team would miss the likes of Gopperth, Launchbury and Hughes.”
There will still be a number of missing faces from Wasps’ line-up, however, including Matt Symons and Guy Thompson, both of whom are still battling leg and foot injuries.
Centre Gaby Lovobalavu is also likely to still be confined to the sidelines as he recovers from a calf tear, where he joins his club’s seven longer-term absentees.
I was really pleased with the youngsters... but any team would miss the likes of Gopperth, Launchbury and Hughes Dai Young