Big ball-carrier Wiese is already living up to club’s expectations
THE mindset behind Jasper Wiese’s formidable ball-carrying display for Leicester Tigers against Bath has been revealed by coach Brett Deacon, writes Bobby Bridge.
Despite receiving a yellow card for a first half high tackle, the 25-year-old South African rampaged his way to an eye-rubbing 115 metres made from 14 powerful carries.
It was nearly three times as many metres than his opposite number Zach Mercer achieved, with the Bath number eight being the leading ball-carrying forward for the visitors with 39 metres made from 12 attempts.
Wiese’s multiple moments of brilliance earned him the BT Sports man-of-the-match award and praise from assistant coach Deacon after Tigers’ 36-31 victory at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
“He’s a class ball carrier isn’t he?” said Deacon. “Every time he gets it, his power, his leg drive in contact, he doesn’t accept being tackled, that’s the reason we signed him.
“We wanted that big ballcarrying number eight and he’s living up to it at the moment, so we’re really impressed with Jasper.”
Wiese, the older brother of Sale forward Cobus, joined Tigers from Pro 14 side the Cheetahs and has wasted little time in introducing himself to the Gallagher Premiership.
In his four appearances so far Wiese has made 284 metres for Tigers – bettered only by Wasps forward Alfie Barbeary (295) – averaging 5.57m for each time he’s run at defences.
He has also beaten 21 defenders – just two fewer than the Premiership chart-topper, Exeter Chiefs’ hot-stepping Argentinian back Facundo Cordero.
Wiese was also influential in Tigers’ European Challenge Cup victory over Brive before Christmas, earning the Mercury’s star man award with an eye-catching series of carries in the 39-17 Welford Road win.
Despite the impressive start, Deacon does not feel Wiese has exceeded any expectations.
He said: “No, not at all, I think the reason we signed him was because he carried the ball like he does. He’s a great, really honest, humble guy and he works hard and that’s why we’ve signed him.”