Wasps boss celebrates conquering champions
Exeter Chiefs suffer setback in Coventry as England internationals are left at home
WASPS head coach Lee Blackett revealed his side were determined to make a physical statement as they demolished Exeter Chiefs 34-5 on Saturday in a repeat of last season’s Gallagher Premiership final.
While the Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter rested a number of their Test stars, including England internationals Henry Slade, Luke CowanDickie and Jonny Hill, Blackett fielded the biggest pack he was able to at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.
The Wasps boss was rewarded with a bonus-point win that saw lock-turned-flanker James Gaskell and replacement prop Simon McIntyre cross twice each, while Lima Sopoaga also touched down.
“We talked about making a physical statement. We wanted to really front up physically and we generally did that,” Blackett said.
“We’re really pleased with the result and the performance. It was built off a really good defensive performance and the pack as well. They really fronted up.
“People underestimate how good a pack we’ve got – it’s one of our big strengths. Look at how many of the guys are under 30,” he added.
“If they’re not playing international rugby, then they’re very much talked about. It’s been a long time since we picked a pack as big as that.
“We’re not naive, we know they were missing some key guys up front. But Exeter put 30 on Harlequins with a very similar team. They also put 40 on Bath at home. They’re a good outfit, no matter who they are picking. They’re always very competitive and will be fighting at the top.”
Wasps’ England flanker Jack Willis suffered a back and hip spasm, preventing him from emerging for the second half, and the severity of the injury will be checked this week.
Exeter slipped to their first defeat since October, in the process losing their 100% start to the Premiership season, but Baxter expects them to bounce back.
“It’s a tough loss, but we have lost plenty of games before and we have always come back,” the Sandy Park supremo said.
“We have won Premierships and European Cups and been a team that can deal with the losses. It’s not just about winning.
“Rugby is a pretty honest game, you tend to win games you deserve to win and you tend to lose games you deserve to lose. We have just got to accept it and take ownership,” Baxter admitted.