There were seven Covid-19 cases reported within the Wasps camp last week – four players, three staff – and a further four positive tests last weekend put the club’s hopes of appearing in the final in jeopardy. Only on Wednesday were Wasps cleared to play after no more positive tests were recorded, but the club went 12 days without training and have 11 players unable to feature. “It’s not ideal preparation but you could argue we’ll be fresh, ” said head coach Lee Blackett. “We’ve had two weeks rest, and we trained really, really well yesterday.
i's guide to Premiership final as depleted Wasps aim to shock double-chasing ExeterA depleted Wasps side will be out to shock newly-crowned European champions Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership final on Saturday. Falling more than four months later than originally planned, the behind closed doors showpiece at Twickenham will see Saracens’ reign as champions officially come to an end. In the past five years, beyond Saracens only Exeter have tasted Premiership glory, back in 2017 when they beat Wasps 23-20 after extra-time.
They go into the latest round of fixtures fourth in the table, on 35 points with Exeter third, having played a game more. Saracens are top with 48 points and Bristol Bears are second on 41. Wasps are currently sixth with 32 points, having been awarded a five-point win for a round 11 postponement against Worcester Warriors on Friday. How can I watch Wasps v Exeter Chiefs in the Women's Premier 15s? All times are GMT and subject to changeBBC iPlayerWasps host Exeter Chiefs in the latest match of BBC’s live coverage of the Women’s Premier 15s. Coverage will start at 14:15 and be available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. It will also be available to view on iPlayer on demand for 30 days.
First-half tries from Jack Nowell and Phil Dollman helped Exeter lead that final 14-10 at half-time, but after Jimmy Gopperth inspired a Wasps comeback to sneak 20-17 in front, it was Gareth Steenson who converted a last-minute penalty before another one in extra time sealed the victory. Neutrals will be willing on more of the same this time around, although it could take a Herculean effort from Wasps to make this one a contest.
Watch: Women's Premier 15s - Wasps v Exeter ChiefsGot a TV Licence? You need one to watch live TV on any channel or device, and BBC programmes on iPlayer. It’s the law. Find out moreLive ReportingWhat is the Rugby Union Premier 15s? BBC SportPremier 15s, which is run by the Rugby Football Union, is the top tier of the women’s game in England. It is a fairly new league, founded in 2016, and is made up of 10 teams from the Women’s Premiership, including Sale Sharks, Wasps and Exeter Chiefs. Harlequins are reigning champions, but face some tough competition this season.
Allianz Premier 15s agrees broadcast deal with BBC - Wasps FC
“We’ve got 33 players to pick from and 11 unavailable. It’s gut-wrenching for those who will miss out but the health and safety of players and families is more important. ” Double delight for Exeter? Though Blackett was trying to look at the positives of having almost two weeks without training, he knows his side head into Saturday’s final as the heavy underdogs. Exeter are flying high following on from their thrilling 31-27 victory over Racing 92 in last Saturday’s Champions Cup final, capping off a remarkable decade for the club 10 years on from their promotion from the Championship. The rollercoaster final will offer Wasps fans hope that Exeter’s wall is not an impenetrable one, but the latter’s ruthless 36-5 semi-final over Bath the week prior proves they are intent on becoming the new dynasty in English rugby, and determined to brush off the disappointment of three final defeats to Saracens in the past four years while adding to their 2017 title.
[[LIVESTREAM TV>]!] Exeter Chiefs v Wasps RFC live free 03
Live Streams - Premier 15s
Saturday, 29 January12:15-14:05 - Wasps v Exeter Chiefs on BBC iPlayer, Red Button & BBC Sport website and app. Upcoming fixtures on the BBCSaturday, 5 February (1400) - Harlequins v SaracensSaturday, 19 February (1715) - Loughborough v Exeter ChiefsSunday, 27 February (1430) - Bristol Bears v SaracensSaturday, 5 March (TBC) - Wasps v HarlequinsHow to get into rugby unionBBC SportVideo contentVideo caption: Why you need to start playing rugbyCamaraderie and teamwork are vital skills in most team sports, but none to the same extent as in rugby union. From schoolyard games of touch to lining up for your country in the Six Nations, rugby union is a sport of skill, bravery and strength.
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