Blackett lauds youngsters after victory over Montpellier

Lee Blackett’s backing of his younger players paid dividends on the weekend as Wasps enjoyed a well-earned victory over Montpellier in the Champions Cup and the coach was quick to heap the praise on his more inexperienced charges.

“I think when you get to this stage, it’s all about results isn’t it – to get two maximum points, especially with a young side out there as well,” he told Wasps’ website.

“The pleasing thing for us, I felt, was that our energy, our speed was up. I feel like probably the first couple of weeks it’s been off. There was an improvement last week definitely and I think I’ve seen a bigger improvement this week.”

Will Porter, Alfie Barbeary and Charlie Atkinson were stand-out performers for Wasps during their side’s 33-14 win.

“I’m really pleased with the young half-backs especially and I think Alfie will get a lot of plaudits too,” Blackett said. “I think he played well. To have a young eight, a young nine and a young 10, I’m really pleased.

“Obviously, that was Charlie Atkinson’s first 80 minutes as well that he’s ever played in his life, so he’s ticked that one off.

“There are a load of other individuals I could mention, but it’s great to see those three young academy guys coming through and doing really well.

“I thought our intent throughout was really pleasing,” he added. “I still think we’re a little bit off. I still think we can be a fraction more clinical and take our opportunities, but it was really pleasing to get the four-try bonus point.”

Wasps will face Montpellier again in Round 3, this time at Altrad Stadium.