Young praises Wasps’ big names

Wasps coach Dai Young has praised his big-name players for the leadership they showed in the 35-15 win against Saracens on Saturday.

The win guarantees Wasps a home semi-final as they finish top of the log for the 2016/2017 Premiership season.

Young has made special mention of backline players Willie Le Roux, Kurtley Beale, Danny Cipriani as well as Jimmy Gopperth while admitting that he was never certain of finishing top until the very end.

“Although I’m absolutely delighted to finish top of the league, I always felt it was in doubt,” Young told The Coventry Telegraph.

“You can see we’re not used to the big occasions, but the more of them you play in, the more comfortable you get.

“Your big players have to stand up and have big games otherwise you’re probably going to come up a little short.

“I had to pump Willie Le Roux’s tyres up in the week and Kurtley Beale’s as well. We’re all human, one or two bad games doesn’t make them a bad player overnight.

“Kurtley was outstanding today and Willie looked a different level. Danny Cipriani also did really well and Jimmy Gopperth rarely has a poor game.

“The forward effort was excellent, there was nothing to worry us up-front. Our exits were far better than they were last week.

"It was a far better performance."