RUGBY UNION - Robinson: Wasps need to find something "extra" to beat Chiefs - The Coventry Observer

RUGBY UNION - Robinson: Wasps need to find something "extra" to beat Chiefs

Coventry Editorial 14th Oct, 2021   0

WASPS skills coach Ed Robinson believes his side will need something “extra” to defeat Exeter Chiefs when the two teams face off on Saturday afternoon at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

 

Robinson joined Wasps over the summer from Jersey Reds where he was backs coach – having worked as England’s temporary skills coach during the Six Nations.

 




His arrival was part of a major backroom reshuffle at Wasps ahead of the new season and Robinson has been pleased by the club’s start to the season.

 


After edging out Northampton Saints 26-20 last weekend, Robinson is expecting a tough match against the Chiefs and feels Wasps need something “extra” to get over the line at the CBS Arena on Saturday.

 

Robinson said: “Exeter speak for themselves, they’re a physical team, they’ll be really well prepared for the game.

 

“They work for each other, they don’t give up on little moments – to break them down you’ve got to work extra hard.

 

“We’ve spoken about double actions – not just doing it once being able to do it over and over again – how we support each other off the ball is going to be really important.

 

“It’s a pleasing start, you can see what we’re trying to do on the training field coming out in the games – we’ve started well.

 

“We’re finding out what it takes to win Premiership rugby matches, you need to be able to fight and scrap – you need to find something extra.”

 

The 28-year-old felt privileged to work with Eddie Jones and his coaching staff at England and feels he is now a better coach having worked in the national set-up.

 

He said: “International rugby is the pinaccle of the game – I felt very lucky to be there – I was able to develop myself through coaching on the international stage.

 

“At Wasps, I look after the players individual development plans, how every player is looking to get better every day.

 

“I look at the kicking game, how we attack off set-pieces – similar to my role with England.

 

“I’ve never thought about the age difference, it’s great to work with these guys – I’m learning off them too – I pick Jimmy [Gopperth’s] brain all the time because of his wealth of experience in the game.

 

“It’s a brilliant environment here, everyone learns off each other.”

 

Earlier this week Wasps confirmed the departure of flanker Thomas Young to Cardiff Rugby at the end of the current season – in order for him to play for Wales on the international stage.

 

And Robinson insists Young’s presence will be missed both on and off the pitch.

 

He added: “We’re disappointed that Tom won’t be playing for us after this season but we support and understand his decision.

 

“He’s been a great servant to Wasps over the last few years – we’re all fully aware we’ve got a job to do for the rest of the season – he’s committed.

 

“We wish him all the best – he’ll be missed – he’s a great thinker of the game, he works exceptionally hard so we’ll definitely miss him.”

 

Wasps host Exeter at the CBS Arena on Saturday, October 16 with kick-off at 3pm.

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