Wasps braced for hostile reception at Lyon in Challenge Cup semi-final

Wasps are bracing themselves for ‘massive collisions’ and a ‘hostile reception’ when they take on Top 14 heavyweights Lyon in Challenge Cup semi-final

  • Wasps will be underdogs when they take on Lyon in Challenge Cup semi-final 
  • Lee Blackett’s side have already won away at Biarritz and Edinburgh this season
  • Wasps coach is unaware of Christian Wade’s possible return to rugby union 

Wasps take on Lyon in the Challenge Cup semi-final on Saturday, knowing it is their only hope of silverware this season. 

Lee Blackett’s side will be underdogs but have already won away at Biarritz and Edinburgh this season.

‘The pleasing thing with the win against Edinburgh was how we reacted to the crowd,’ said Blackett. 

Wasps have already won away at Biarritz and Edinburgh in the Challenge Cup this season

‘It was the same with Biarritz. It definitely goes up a volume in France and it can be really hostile. 

‘Lyon are a massive collision team. If it comes down to individual moments, they’ve got people who can really hurt you.’

Blackett is unaware of Christian Wade’s possible return to rugby union after revealing there has been no contact with the club’s acclaimed former wing.

Lee Blackett’s side will be underdogs when they take on Lyon in the Challenge Cup semi-final

Wade departed the Ricoh Arena for the NFL in 2018 but the move has not worked out and the 30-year-old has been released by the Buffalo Bills, fuelling speculation over his next move.

As the fourth highest try-scorer in Gallagher Premiership history, Wade would be welcomed at any number of clubs and he has hinted on social media that a change might be afoot.

Blackett, however, has placed doubt on the prospect of being reunited with a lightning-fast try machine who spent six years at Wasps from 2011 to 2017 before growing disillusioned at being consistently overlooked by England.

‘I love Wadey. He’s a great character, he’s a great finisher. But in terms of coming back to Wasps, or coming back to rugby union, I’ve not heard anything,’ the head coach said.




Share this article

Source: Read Full Article