Coventry Telegraph

Bassett ready to do battle with big rivals yet again

WINGER RELISHES FOURTH MATCH UP AGAINST QUINS THIS SEASON

- By BOBBY BRIDGE Rugby Reporter robert.bridge@trinitymir­ror.com Josh Bassett

RETURNING Wasps winger Josh Bassett can’t wait to tackle Harlequins this weekend – in the FOURTH meeting between the sides this season.

The 25-year-old marked his return to action from a grade three hamstring tear with two tries in a formidable 40-minute showing against Leicester Tigers on Sunday and now has his sights set on shooting down the Quins.

“We’ve played them three times already this season. We know what they’re about and I am sure they know what we are about,” said Bassett. “But it’s about us going down there and getting the result we need.

“Obviously the result in Europe a few weeks ago put us out of that competitio­n so for us it’s really exciting to go down to the Stoop and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Bassett missed out on Wasps’ agonising European Champions Cup defeat at the Stoop last month but returned to give an exhibition of his skills at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday.

Despite scoring two tries after coming on for Marcus

We’ve played them three times already this season. We know what they’re about and I am sure they know what we are about.

Watson at halftime, Bassett conceded the injury was in the back of his mind. “Coming back from a grade three hamstring tear in five to six weeks, you’re always going to be a bit wary, but the physios wouldn’t put me out there unless I am ready to go,” he said.

“You’re always going to be a bit tentative.

“Getting that first 40 minutes under my belt was amazing to come out the other side was perfect.”

The 50-28 win over Leicester Tigers may have come in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, but Bassett believes it could be key as the club heads into a crucial period in the Aviva Premiershi­p.

“It sets us off nicely to go into the next four weeks of Premiershi­p games which is really important for us and we are really excited about.

“To get that win at the Ricoh is absolutely amazing.”

 ??  ?? Josh Bassett in action against the Tigers at the weekend
Josh Bassett in action against the Tigers at the weekend

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