Dai vows to still make all the running
WASPS director of rugby Dai Young has insisted his side will stick to their running rugby philosophy when they take on La Rochelle at the Ricoh Arena tomorrow.
The black-and-golds scored five tries in their 49-29 defeat to the French side last weekend but also conceded six as they slipped to third in Pool One.
But Young was pleased with his side’s performance despite the loss and said they will attack Les Maritimes from the off on their own turf.
“They’ve got quality players and will create problems without a shadow of a doubt, and they’ll certainly do that this weekend,” he said.
“But we have also shown that if we get any sort of level of possession we can take the game to them and score tries.
“I’m confident we can take them back to the Ricoh and get a result but we know we have to play top quality rugby.
“We believe that we gifted them at least 14 points, so we have to cut that out. We know what they’re going to bring but we’re confident we can get more out of ourselves.”
Wasps matched up well against their physical opponents, only losing one of their lineouts and winning all of their scrums.
But the black-and-golds were forced to make 194 tackles to La Rochelle’s 79 and Young sees it as critical that they again stay strong.
“Coming away from there we can take confidence that we can handle their power,” he added.
The former Cardiff Blues boss was impressed by Patrice Collazo’s side, who have stormed to the top of their Pool in their first ever season in the Champions Cup.
“They’re a quality team,” he said, “I’m really impressed with the way they play the game. They’re the best team I’ve coached against in Europe for a while.
“We were adamant that playing La Rochelle with the quality they have on their own pitch, you cannot give them a headstart.
“So we made it difficult for ourselves.
“I really enjoy the way they play the game, they’ve got some great players. I’m certainly not banking on the idea that French teams don’t travel, I think those days are gone.”