Date set for Wasps knees-up
WASPS DIRECTOR OF RUGBY DAI YOUNG’S VERDICT ON LIMA SOPOAGA’S INTRODUCTION TO PREMIERSHIP RUGBY
PLENTY of pressure has been riding on the shoulders of Lima Sopoaga during a baptism of fire to life in northern hemisphere rugby.
The 18-times capped All Black had not even landed on these shores when fellow countryman and fly-half option Jimmy Gopperth badly damaged his knee in a pre-season encounter.
It was a sign of further tests to come for the former Highlanders stand off but his performance against Bristol Bears during a 32-28 victory provided clear signs the 27-year-old is adapting to life in the Gallagher Premiership.
It was his kick return and pass that put Ross Neal in for the first of his two tries and 12 points from the boot proved critical in ending Wasps’ seven game winless run. THE date has been set for Wasps’ end-of-season awards at the Ricoh Arena which will be presented by former England international and British and Irish Lion, Martin Bayfield.
The evening - which takes place on Tuesday 7 May 2019 - is a unique opportunity for businesses and supporters to join Wasps’ playing squad, coaches and club directors, while also fundraising for Wasps Community Foundation to develop grassroots rugby across
“There’s been a lot of pressure riding on his shoulders,” said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.
“He’s getting more and more accustomed to the way we want to play and he’s been a part of driving that.
“He took a nasty knock and worked his socks off last week to make sure that he’s right. Perhaps things haven’t been clicking quite as well as he would like in attack.
“Defensively he’s been chucking himself into everything. He’s behind the cause and he showed the West Midlands.
Nick Eastwood, CEO of Wasps, said: “The end-of-season awards are one of the most prestigious events in the Club’s rugby calendar.
“Last year we raised a record £50,000 for Wasps Community Foundation, and we are hoping to smash that record this year to maintain the great work that our community team delivers to thousands of children and adults on a daily basis.
“The night is a great some signs against Bristol of what a player he’s going to be for us.” As well as pulling the strings in Wasps’ attack and weighing in with nine tackles, including a brave try-saver shortly before Charlies Piutau expertly put in Ryan Edwards, Sopoaga provided a calming presence without the ball sweeping on numerous occasions to collect and return deep clearance kicks. It was in Wasps’ previous victory against Newcastle Falcons when the Kiwi gave an indication of what was to come with three try assists as well as kicking eight crucial points in a 23-22 win. Along with under-performing team-mates, Sopoaga failed to shine away at Leinster and Northampton opportunity to network, host clients or reward staff, and I look forward to welcoming everybody on the night.”
The evening is a black tie dinner with a silent auction, raffle and player shirt auction to help raise funds. There are also sponsorship opportunities and there is the option to dine with players.
For more information and to book a place, please contact hospitality@wasps.co.uk or call 024 7678 6410. Saints but was pivotal in the 35-35 draw with Bath, knocking over five conversions to tie the Heineken Champions Cup encounter.
Young pinpointed the changing players around the 10 shirt in the backline as a contributing factor to the peaks and troughs in Sopoaga’s and Wasps’ attacking performances.
During his seven Premiership and European starts for Wasps, Sopoaga has played with five different combinations at scrum half, inside centre and outside centre.
Injuries to Dan Robson, with whom Sopoaga has played just 215 minutes of rugby, and Joe Simpson has also seen the Kiwi play with FOUR different half-back partners with Craig Hampson and Will Porter both featuring against Bristol Bears.
“There’s been a lot of pressure on Lima in fairness to him,” said the Welshman.
“Traditionally there’d be a lot of X-Factor players around him which we’re missing at this moment in time.
“We’ve really struggled with continuity behind, particularly our centre partnerships and wing and so on because we’ve had to chop and change a lot.
“So there’s been a lot of pressure riding on his shoulders. He’s getting more and more accustomed to the way we want to play and he’s been a part of driving that.”
With the likes of Elliot Daly, Willie le Roux and new signing Michele Campagnaro returning from international duty, Sopoaga is likely to have a reinforced backs division to tackle Premiership champions Saracens on Saturday.
“I’ve been pleased with him,” added Young. “I’ve always said it’s going to take a little bit of time to settle in.
“All the injuries and lack of continuity behind him hasn’t helped that process.”