Wasps count the cost
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Leicester 21
CERTAINLY the new golden rule of professional rugby union is crystal clear to Wasps: the accountant is as crucial as the coach. After a week at the hands of the asset-strippers from Tyneside, they found they lacked the reserves to rebuff the physical challenge from Leicester.
The financial raid that snatched play-maker Rob Andrew and tackle-breaker Dean Ryan - who were both here yesterday as guests of the match sponsors, who employ Ryan - left Wasps short on brain and brawn. These were needed against Leicester, who ticked over efficiently, but never revved into the high gears that brought them the championship.
To Wasps' credit, there was a mountain of commitment and raw talent that promised much, but probably not this season. Wasps coach Rob Smith said: "The players we've lost were a big influence, who had real authority in the team. Young players now have to take responsibility. This is a new era for Wasps."
And Lawrence Dallaglio, the impressive No 8 who took over the captain's role from Ryan, said after the game: "There's a lot to be positive about. We've got to get the show back on the road."
Not that it was completely derailed yesterday. Wasps put up a fearless, nearly flawless defence, and displayed some strong, straight running in attack. But the denuded Wasps' side weren't the complete, exciting force they promised to be last season.
Their only try came at the end, with a result already beyond doubt: the promising full-back Jon Ufton scrambled over with a bright autumn sun already well down. He'd played well throughout, though his boot couldn't make good the absence of Rob Andrew's.
Leicester were always well in control. Their first try was well made when full-back John Liley received the ball far out on the touchline after it had been shifted swiftly across the field. He had some space, but made more by sprinting clear to cross.
In the second half, Leicester got their other, less spectacular, try when the pack pushed a scrum five over and Chris Tarbuck got his hand to the ball on the ground in the back row. With Liley kicking a further 11 points to add to his try, the game was well sewn up.
Leicester have seen the new financial world coming a little faster than Wasps, by negotiating contracts with all members of the first-team squad. But their captain for the day, Rory Underwood, warned that rugby union is now in a new era. He expected stability at Leicester, but added generally: "If the price is right, someone could always go. What can you do? It's the way of the world at the moment."
Wasps: J Ufton; P Hopley, D Hopley, A James, S Roiser; C Braithwaite, A Gomarsall; N Popplewell, K Dunn, I Dunston, M Greenwood, R Kinsey, M White, R Poole-Jones, L Dallaglio (capt).
Leicester: J Liley; S Hackney, S Potter, R Robinson, R Underwood (capt); J Harris, A Kardooni; G Rowntree, R Cockerill, D Garforth, M Johnson, M Poole, O Wingham, C Tarbuck, N Back.
Referee: A Spreadbury (Somerset).
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