It’s Dall good!
ROBSON REVEALS HOW WASPS LEGEND MAY HAVE INSPIRED VICTORY
The meaning of what Wasps is, not that the boys didn’t know, but it’s always nice to have it reiterated. Dan Robson
LAWRENCE Dallaglio, the last Wasps captain to hoist silverware above his head, could’ve provided the inspiration for Dai Young’s side to secure a first away win since September.
The Black and Golds fought off a spirited Bristol Bears fightback to secure a 29-22 victory courtesy of tries from Thomas Young, Tom Cruse, Nizaam Carr and Will Rowlands.
Preparations for the Round 13 Gallagher Premiership encounter took on a different twist with director of rugby Young inviting Dallaglio to the club’s Broadstreet RFC training ground base on Thursday afternoon.
The 46-year-old World Cup winner handed out embroidered appearance milestone shirts to the likes of James Gaskell and Simon McIntyre.
The one-club legend, who signed off his remarkable career by lifting the Guinness Premiership in 2008 by defeating Leicester Tigers at Twickenham Stadium, then delivered a rousing speech for the players’ ears only. But one of the stars of the bonus-point victory at Ashton Gate, Dan Robson, revealed how the 85-times capped England back row made an impact on the Wasps players. “Lawrence came in and gave a bit of a talk to the boys that hit home a little bit,” said Robson, who made his England debut off the bench against France before being released for game-time with his club. “I think we did ourselves proud. The meaning of what Wasps is, what it means to wear the shirt, not that the boys didn’t know, but it’s always nice to have it reiterated and have that from an older head and one who has been here and is passionate about the club, it was good to hear,” Robson added.
Despite receiving an early knock, Robson went the distance ahead of his likely return to the England camp in preparation for a potential Grand Slam decider with Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
“You always prepare for 80 minutes, the work you do off the field conditions you to play 80 minutes and that’s the way the game went,” said Robson. “I enjoyed it, it was good to get back with the boys and see the effort they’ve been putting in.
“I think the fight and everything they’ve been working towards over the past couple of weeks was great to get back into.
“A lot of emotion went into it, intent was our big thing, we wanted to show a lot of intensity and really show what we want.”
Director of rugby Dai Young joked he had to hand out the song sheet for Wasps’ victory song, given their form over the past four months, after losing their last eight away games in all competitions.
Robson explained: “Anyone will tell you it’s a nicer changing room when you win, I’ve spoke about momentum and it’s been hard for us to get. We’ve got wins here and there but hopefully now, with a couple of wins under our belt, it will kick us off ahead of a big game at the Ricoh against Sale at the weekend.”