Blackett knows his ‘tired’ Wasps have to face up
LEE BLACKETT reckons Wasps have no choice but to beat Worcester today or their Anglo-Welsh campaign could be over.
Following a 17-13 defeat at Sale, Wasps return to their fortress desperate for a win but backs coach Blackett is still backing the club’s youngsters to deliver despite the return of some old heads.
“Our performance against Newcastle in the last Premiership game was a bit tired, and some of the boys who played most of those first nine games needed a rest,” he said.
“But if we want to progress in the competition there has to be a massive focus on this game, and we’ve probably got to win.
“Last week we had a lot of boys who haven’t played much together which meant we spent a lot of time getting them used to each other, so it will be nice to see them back it up again this weekend.”
Max Stelling scored two tries in the Warriors’ win over Bristol last weekend and he hopes consistent performances will help him work his way back into the first team after only five Challenge Cup appearances last season.
“It’s good to be back playing regular rugby again. It was great to get the two tries but I’m just happy to get another 80 minutes under my belt,” he said.
“Last season wasn’t great for me. I came back from a hamstring injury and struggled for form but so far this season I’ve been given more opportunities and things are going well.
“I just need to keep being consistent and carry and tackle hard to get back into the first team. Wynand Oliver and Ben Te’o are ahead of me but I’ll keep working hard.”
Wasps are boosted by the addition of Joe Simpson, James Gaskell and Thomas Young to the starting XV, as well as starts for Piers O’Conor, Tom Howe and Tom West.
Warriors will hand debuts to trialist Wilhelm van der Sluys and academy youngster Afeafe Haisila Lokotui who come in at lock and wing respectively.
Sam Lewis makes his long-awaited return from injury.