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Wasps v Munster: First class

Okay, it was some way short of World Cup pressure but the ambition and interest generated in attack was a reminder that it is not the rules but the attitude of coaches which determines (together with referees) how the game is played.

Stuart Barnes
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That was even better than I expected.

Okay, it was some way short of World Cup pressure but the ambition and interest generated in attack was a reminder that it is not the rules but the attitude of coaches which determines (together with referees) how the game is played.

The attitude and ambition of both London Wasps and Munster was first class.

It was a thunderous battle for ball on the floor and a smart game behind the scrum where Ronan O' Gara re-established his credentials as an outstanding fly-half.

Opposite him, young Danny Cipriani was incredibly composed. He has a huge range of talent and his development through the course of the year is going to be fascinating.

If Ireland can breathe a huge sigh of relief at the return of O'Gara, England can ponder a fly-half future with a fully fit Charlie Hodgson, the precocious gifts of Ryan Lamb and the gathering Cipriani (although I wonder whether he, like Toby Flood, might take time to work out his specialist position.) It is a good prospect for the English game.

One Welsh prospect who certainly caught my eye was Morgan Stoddard, the Scarlets' full back. Against an inspirational Clermont Auvergne side he was magnificent. Next weekend he faces another daunting challenge against the holders, Wasps. This tournament is a fine beast in its own right but boy, isn't it a fantastic stepping stone towards Test rugby?

I am at Stradey for that clash and get a first chance to see Stade Francais, the favourites, against Bristol at the Memorial Ground. Complacency might ally with a boisterous home crowd to make a tighter match than last week's results suggest.

On Friday night, Gloucester and Ospreys kick off a glorious Anglo-Welsh weekend with Cardiff Blues trying to make it two against two at Harlequins. I have mentioned a young Welsh talent so let's balance it with a comment on an older vintage, Martyn Williams was again a joy to watch, his technique and vision is superb.

Ireland are discussed below so a quick word on the Scottish provinces. Edinburgh were unlucky to lose to an infuriatingly casual Toulouse side but, as Andy Robinson said, lose they did. Glasgow's bonus point at Saracens might also check a few people who thought this pool was a gimme for Saracens and Biarritz, who struggled to beat Viadana and missed a bonus point in the bargain. Well done to Viadana for their efforts.

It all starts Thursday night in the Challenge Cup with Newcastle against Brive. And with the momentum European rugby is building, who knows when it will stop?

To this week's mail...

UNDER THE POSTS
Stuart Barnes answers your emai...

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IRELAND REVISITED
Stuart, You asked me to send you my question again, once you were able to consider it in the light of the Heineken Cup matches this weekend. Well Leinster beat Leicester quite comfortably at home and Munster almost beat Wasps away - so what happened to Ireland in the World Cup and should O'Sullivan at least shoulder a great deal of responsibility, admit that the appalling Ireland performance was more than a 'Blip' and possibly resign? Bob Sullivan

STUART SAYS: Bob, The revitalised performance of the core of the Munster/Irish pack combined with the efficiency of the Leinster effort does not read well on O'Sullivan's CV. The manner in which men like Gordon D'Arcy and Donncha O' Callaghan flew around the park, in such contrast to their lethargy in France suggests that preparation was a problem. The Ice Camp in Poland enables players to train longer and harder than usual but it can leave some weary limbs if overplayed. Ireland appeared utterly flat and this could be a reason. On the evidence of the first weekend of the Heineken Cup, the management of the Ireland team is a major suspect in the case of the lost form. But let's see how they both perform against tough French opposition - the form lines are even easier to read after this forthcoming weekend of fixtures.

VARNDELL VANISHED
Hi Stuart, With England's fantastic run in the World Cup all eyes seem to be on the new crop of exciting talent looking to pull on the white shirt. Names like James Simpson-Daniel, Dan Cipriani and Ryan Lamb will invariably be bandied about, but my question is regarding Leicester wing Tom Varndell. Quite simply, what has happened to him? A couple of years ago when he broke through he looked world class, but now he seems to have completely disappeared. Thanks, Luke, Newport.

STUART SAYS: Luke, Tom Varndell is a fantastic talent, of that there is little doubt. Searing pace, upper body strength and a nose for the try line but rugby is about the mental as well as physical side of the game as England (and New Zealand recently revealed). It is in this area combined with defensive responsibility where Varndell has come up short under Pat Howard. He is still young and has the talent to surge to the top, IF he finds the complete game. You are right about the way in which he has been forgotten, its a flimsy old world in which we live, isn't it?

IS WHITE RIGHT?
Dear Stuart, I think you are a fan of Ashton the coach but like most people acknowledge he needs a manager to help deal with media, idiots from the RFU etc. How about a dream-team of Jake White with Brian Ashton as his 'Eddie Jones', the inspirational backs/attacking coach? If White has been able to flourish in the political nightmare of SA rugby surely the RFU would be a doddle? Cheers, Dave.

STUART SAYS: The problem with Jake White's CV is that he achieved success off the back of a really young team he developed from junior age groups which he maintained through thick and thin to the World Cup. England have a fine crop of younger players, many of whom have been under Ashton since his days in charge of the Academy. Also I don't believe Ashton has half the management inadequacies as reported, if he needs anything it is a first rate administrator and a solid sounding board on selection - an area Woodward struggled with in his first few years at the helm. Jake White may be overqualified for this role.

A TIDY PUNT
Hi Stuart, I took Clermont Auvergne each way at 22s and I am feeling pretty pleased with myself this Monday morning. They looked the business against the Scarlets on Sunday. How far do you think they can go? Ian, Putney.

STUART SAYS: Ian, Let's not get carried away by Clermont and your 22s....well actually, if I was you, I would! Good weren't they? They were the most impressive team in weekend one with a lovely blend of decoy running, accurate wide passing and a ferocious French club rugby driving game. Two world class hookers, Delasau on the bench, Alex King to impart his insiders knowledge from Wasps and all at 22-1. Do you want to unload any of that bet? On a more serious note - for you at least - the one negative is the group itself. If your team were the performers of the round, Wasps and Munster delivered the game of the round and neither of these teams will do anything but improve. An away win and maximum home points is required. It was a perfect start but there is a long way to go. Top the pool and the bet looks brilliant.

Look forward to hearing from you all next weekend after what could be an even better weekend of rugby.

Stuart Barnes

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