Ian McGeechan paid tribute to his Wasps' strength in depth as they recorded an important 22-16 win at London Irish.
Director of rugby happy as Wasps bandwagon gathers pace
Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan paid tribute to his side's strength in depth as they shrugged off the absence of six internationals to record an important 22-16 win at London Irish.
McGeechan conceded his troops had been pushed all the way by the Exiles but described the triumph as "massively satisfying."
"It's another big club win," he stated. "That was hard work, a good forward performance."
The Scot reserved special words of praise fly-half Dave Walder who, in the absence of England hero Danny Cipriani, produced an immaculate goal-kicking performance to end with a 17-point haul.
"He has found a new level in his game and a consistency I don't think he's ever had before," McGeechan said of the former Newcastle man.
"He's had a rough time in some respects in training, being asked, told, whatever, to do certain things - and he's responded really well.
"He's kicked every available point for us in the last two games and that, when you are fighting to be in winning positions, is really important.
"Dave took a certain amount of stick in the early part of the season when he missed some soft points but he gets the credit now because he's put some big points over."
Dallaglio joy
Wasps skipper Lawrence Dallaglio felt his side were good value for a win which maintains their ever-growing momentum and insisted Irish had paid the price for their indiscipline.
"Traditionally, we've found it difficult when internationals are away and with the World Cup we've lost five out of our first six games but we are on a roll now," he added.
"There will be people looking over their shoulders knowing that Wasps are winning and have players to come back.
"They (Irish) were playing right on the line and spent a lot of the game offside and the referee penalised them for it.
"Having spent a lot of my career there, I'm not averse to saying that. They shouldn't be scratching their heads wondering why they came off the wrong side of the penalty count."
Booth rues missed chances
For his part, Exiles forwards coach Toby Booth felt his side failed to take full advantage of the chances they created during a hard-fought contest.
"The Premiership is extremely tight and when you manufacture opportunities you have to be clinical. We weren't on occasions and we paid the price," he declared.
"Both sides were desperate for elevation up the table and it was always going to be a tight game. Then it's all about execution.
"Against good sides you only get two or three opportunities a game and you have to really cash in. I don't think we did that.
However, Booth refused to accept his side had blown their chances of a play-off berth, adding: "We want to qualify for the Heineken Cup and win silverware and to do that you need to be in the top four.
"Losing today isn't going to make that any easier. I don't think it's break but we can't afford too many more hiccups along the way."
