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Wasps Starting XV

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prolate_spheroid

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Okay, a little thread that will primarily interest Wasps fans, but some non-Waspies might have a view on this as well... I've been wondering how Wasps are planning to manage the fly-half situation this season. Sadly, Alex King (who was a really reliable campaigner and in my opinion was bloody underated) has of course moved on to Clermont. This would be cause for concern were it not for the fact that we've got some seriously skilled players ready to step into his boots... in fact, we may have too many. We've bought Riki Flutey from the Exiles who looks really sharp in this position (despite some dodgy kicking), but we've also got our own home grown talent in the form of Cipriani, who must be chomping at the bit for this opportunity given that fly half is his primary position. Dave Walder is also most comfortable as a stand off.

Broadly speaking, there seem to be three options:

1) Bring Flutey in as the regular first team Fly Half and play Cipriani at full back (where he put in some fine performances last season). Walder can come on as a replacement, Cipriani also provides cover.

2) Give Cipriani a crack at fly half. Where does Flutey figure then? Presumably he'll move to the centres... this throws up other issues (see below).

3) Play Walder at fly half, Cipriani at full back and Flutey at centre. (again see below).

Wasps played Walder at fly half and Cipriani at full back in their pre-season game today, which suggests to me that the club are committed to developing Cipriani as a specialist full back (something England co do with as well).

IF IT'S OPTION 2 OR 3 - Who partners Flutey in the centres? Presumably Fraser Waters. And if that's the case, Lewsey will move back over to the wing. Now, how the hell do you decide who gets the starting berths out of Lewsey, Sackey and Voyce? And how are youngsters like Chris Bishay going to get a look in?

Obviously this is all due to the fact that we've got a lot of great players, which is a good thing. But how do we think the squad will be managed in 2007/08 and beyond?
 
As good as Walder is, I don't think he will feature this year.

I personally would like to see Cipriani at 10, Waters and Lewsey in centre and Van Gisbergen at fullback.

We could also chuck in Gibsy at fly half, and Cips at Fullback.

I agree with you though, it is great to see so many players than can switch and swap, and it is a good sign for while the RWC is still going on.

(btw, I love the signature)
 
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