'For a club the size of Wasps... We wouldn't be human if we didn't think about it'

Lee Blackett is desperate to end Wasps’ 15-year trophy drought after they reached the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup.

The Premiership outfit have not won a major competition since landing the Champions Cup back in 2007.

They are now potentially 160 minutes from glory after defeating Edinburgh 34-30 in a thrilling contest at DAM Health Stadium on Saturday to set up a semi-final against Lyon.

Dillyn Leyds | Le French Rugby Podcast | Episode 28

We chat to La Rochelle’s South Africa international Dillyn Leyds ahead of the all-French Champions Cup quarter-final against Montpellier to find out about Ronan O’Gara’s spikiness, how he ended up in the west of France instead of South West London and his chances of a Springbok recall. Plus, we look at the madness of the Top 14 where still nobody is guaranteed a play-off place with two rounds to go, look ahead to all of the Champions Cup quarter-finals and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD20 at checkout for 20% off any full price item at Meater.com
Head over to daysbrewing.com and use the code RUGBYPASS15 to get 15% off a case of their 0.0% beers

Dillyn Leyds | Le French Rugby Podcast | Episode 28

We chat to La Rochelle’s South Africa international Dillyn Leyds ahead of the all-French Champions Cup quarter-final against Montpellier to find out about Ronan O’Gara’s spikiness, how he ended up in the west of France instead of South West London and his chances of a Springbok recall. Plus, we look at the madness of the Top 14 where still nobody is guaranteed a play-off place with two rounds to go, look ahead to all of the Champions Cup quarter-finals and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD20 at checkout for 20% off any full price item at Meater.com
Head over to daysbrewing.com and use the code RUGBYPASS15 to get 15% off a case of their 0.0% beers

“It’s big to be in the semi-final,” said head coach Blackett. “For a club the size of Wasps, it’s been a long time since we won a trophy.

“It’s been too long. We’re delighted to be in the semi-final, but in this tournament this year there are some monster teams.

“Saracens are still in it, Lyon are in it – these are quality sides, these are Champions Cup sides. We know it’s going to be hard to win it, but we’re in the last four so we’ve got a chance.”

Blackett is excited by the possibility of making it to the final in Marseille later this month, although he knows Wasps must overcome a formidable test away to Lyon next weekend.

“It would be massive for any club to get to the final in Marseille,” he said. “That’s why you do the sport. They’re the occasions you dream of at the start of the season.

“We can’t get too carried away with thinking about Marseille. We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t slightly think about it, but it’s our job as coaches to keep everyone on task. Being away to Lyon is going to be a massive ask.”

Edinburgh head coach Mike Blair was irked by several decisions from French referee Pierre Brousset as his side, who led 17-10 at the break and 30-27 going into the final five minutes, were undone in a tight encounter.

“Some of the frustrating moments were self-induced and some I didn’t think the referee got right,” said Blair.

“There were a couple of decisions at the end which could have proved crucial. But equally I’m sure there were decisions that went the other way that he didn’t get right. Ultimately it’s not about the referee. It’s about the things we can control.”

Edinburgh had Connor Boyle sin-binned just before Wasps scored their decisive try through Alfie Barbeary after 75 minutes, but they still produced a rousing finish as they tried to get their noses back in front.

“We were one man down in that period, so with the turnover threat Wasps have got, it was difficult to maintain ball and keep us pushing forward, but we almost got there,” said Blair.