Wasps likely to keep powder dry (From Bucks Free Press)

Tough balancing act in LV Cup

8:00am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Sport By Alan Feldberg

WASPS have to perform a difficult balancing act at Northampton tomorrow – keeping players fresh for Saracens next weekend while avoiding the sort of beating that will deflate the squad ahead of their return to the Aviva Premiership.

However, with an influx of new players in the past few weeks, the coaches’ job has been made just a little easier.

Head coach Paul Turner said: “Getting these knew faces in in the last couple of weeks has really bolstered the squad.

“It’s not ideal with the languages. I don’t speak Namibian and I don’t speak Russian, but rugby people are rugby people and it will give us other options.

“I’ve just seen two packs out there against each other in training, which makes a big difference.”

Some first team players will be back for Saints, but Wasps are likely to lean on the side of keeping their powder dry another week.

Turner said: “If players need rugby then they’ll have some rugby this weekend.

“But if there is no need, then the focus has got to be on Saracens and players who started and finished last week’s game will probably have an involvement this weekend.

“It’s a pity we’re out of this competition. I felt that after we lost to the Dragons, that was where it ended.

“Certain clubs can prioritise all three competitions, but they’re the clubs with big squads and our main focus has got to be on the month of February in the Aviva Premiership.

“We need some wins. A few results going against us has meant we’re looking back rather than forward, but we’ve got three out of four Aviva fixtures at home and we’ll be looking to put that right.”