My debt to Wasps, by Bassett
UNSUNG Wasps wing Josh Bassett reckons a combination of more bulk, learning from world-class players and the coaching of backs guru Lee Blackett has enabled him to step seamlessly into the boots of departed star Charles Piutau.
Former Bedford man Bassett, 24, does not enjoy the profile of a Christian Wade or Danny Cipriani but has been ever-present in a Wasps side making their best league start in 20 years and who harbour ambitions of lifting the European Champions Cup.
Wasps take on Toulouse today and Bassett, who trained with rivals Saracens before opting to join Wasps in 2013, told TRP: “It’s great to be involved, especially with the squad we’ve got, and I’m looking to push on. I’ve grown up, not just personally but in rugby terms and I developed over pre-season. It’s been an accumulation of learning from some absolutely world-class stars like Charles Piutau and Christian Wade and the great coaching set-up.
“Charles was a fantastic influence on me last season and it’s great to be featuring now, although I know I have to keep fighting for my position.”
On his surge into the limelight, Bassett said: “We’ve a really good strength and conditioning team at Wasps and they’re always looking at what parts you can develop, so I’ve put on a little bit of weight whilst retaining my speed and power.
“I’m at 98kg (15st 6lb) now, up from 93kg when I first joined, so that’s not too bad, but the game’s getting more physical and it’s about balancing being able to deal with the impacts and your explosiveness.
“We like to play a quick tempo game and we’re an attacking side and want to go out and express ourselves. At the same time, though, we want to express ourselves in defence and worry opponents in both facets.”
Bassett has a nose for the try-line, having crossed four times this season, and credits Blackett for his attacking improvement, adding: “I played against Lee when he was at Leeds and, being a winger himself, he’s helped me in how to read a game.
“He’s very good with detail and can really pick your game apart, so it’s all about finding those areas for improvement and working on them. He’s done that throughout our backline and 39 tries this season shows what a threat we are now.”