Webber warns against history repeating itself (From Bucks Free Press)

Webber warns against history repeating itself

8:40am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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FRESH from signing a new two-year deal, Wasps hooker Rob Webber has challenged his team-mates to learn from their mistakes when they take on Sale a week today.

Wasps warmed up for the trip north by beating Gloucester 24-19 at Adams Park and Webber can see worrying parallels.

He said: “It’s almost a mirror image. We had a good home win against Saracens then lost away to Leeds in the north.

“This week we’ve had a good home win against Gloucester and now we’re away to Sale. If ever there was a chance to rewrite the history books it’s now.”

However, Webber admits consistency has not been Wasps’ strong point this year.

He said: “This season, and to an extent last season, has definitely been a transitional period and that’s been evident in some of our games. But we’re endeavouring to get the consistency we want and when we do we’ll be really dangerous.”

Wasps have just six matches left in the Guinness Premiership.

Beating Gloucester took them back into the top four but it’s a precarious position and the men in black and gold will need to repeat the form that saw off Gloucester from now until May.

Webber said: “It was a very physical game against Gloucester. You’re always going to get that and we had to match it and better it to get the win, which I think we did.

“We got off to a flying start and got a good try and a couple of other penalties, but then we maybe got a little bit loose and sloppy and let them back into it.

“But we dug deep and showed a bit more composure than we did last week and closed it out.

“Now we just have to worry about ourselves and our own form. It would be naive to start looking at permutations yet.”

Webber’s commitment to the club is a boost going into the final two months.

He played his 50th Guinness Premiership game against Gloucester and has captained the team in his last two starts.

At just 23, he has established himself as one the squad’s senior figures.

He said: “It’s a really good place to develop, learn, and be challenged. It’s a really positive environment and I want to continue to be a part of that.”

Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks said: “We are delighted that Rob has re-signed with the club for a further two years.

“He has developed into a real leader within the group. He has a very bright future ahead of him and we are pleased that it will be in black and gold.”

Meanwhile, Wasps have not commented on reports that they have beaten Munster to the punch in the chase for former player Riki Flutey.

Flutey had been told by Brive that he must serve out the last year of his contract, but RFU compensation is understood to have softened their stance.