Do you agree with our Wasps ratings?

5:10pm Monday 1st December 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

WASPS have had more players on international duty this autumn than any other Guinness Premiership side – but how have they rated?

We have looked at all ten of their international stars and assessed their performances over the course of the series. Not surprisingly, it doesn't always make easy reading!

PHIL VICKERY 5/10: The former England captain had his best game of the series by a long stretch against New Zealand, keeping Tony Woodcock quiet, but was unable to impose himself against Australia or South Africa and conceded too many penalties.

TIM PAYNE 4/10: Was largely overpowered against South Africa, but stood up quite well against the Kiwis and was enjoying his best game for his country until, like the entire team, fading badly towards the end.

SIMON SHAW 4/10: Provided some much-needed experience and composure and always puts in an honest shift, but his normally impeccable handling was below par and injury ended his series early.

TOM PALMER 3/10: Decent work in the line-out against Australia, but he will want to forget his 30 minutes against South Africa. Conceded two penalties within range in that time before limping off with a calf injury.

TOM REES 6/10: England captain in waiting? Played well against Australia and was a lone figure of resistance against the fired up Springboks. Could be accused of taking the ball into contact too often rather than serving the backs, but very unlucky to be benched against New Zealand.

JAMES HASKELL 6/10: Two sin-bins for similar offences won’t please the management, but more energy and potential than Nick Easter. Typically robust throughout the series and will be much improved for the experience.

DANNY CIPRIANI 4/10: Scored against Pacific Islands and made two ghosting breaks against Australia, but so much more is expected of him. Two charge downs and inconsistent kicking blotted his copybook and exposed his lack of games. Not as culpable as some parts of the media have made out, but a series to put down to experience for the 21-year-old.

PAUL SACKEY 4/10: Started well with two tries against the Islanders and did well enough against Brian Habana, but at fault for the fifth South African try and had little impact in attack against the big three – although he had very little to work with.

RIKI FLUTEY 4/10: Stirling Mortlock, Jean de Villiers and Ma'a Nonu is as tough an introduction to international rugby as it’s possible to get and, with partner-in-crime Danny Cipriani struggling for his game, the Wasps centre was mostly a bit-part player.

EOIN REDDAN 5/10: Played for Ireland against Canada, but was given no time to make his mark against the All Blacks and was an unused replacement against Argentina. The scrum-half’s international frustration continues.