Wasps v Leicester Front Row

I'm well aware that it wasn't Leicester's 1st choice front row (or probably 2nd or 3rd choice)
However, this was the first time that I can remember where Wasps occasionally looked to have an upper hand at scrum time.

So, the question is, are the 2 props for Wasps actually any good, or was it a particularly poor front row from Leicester?

I don't know a lot about Swainston, but McIntyre has always struck me as though he potentially could be quite good... but as is often the case with Wasps' front rows he hasn't yet really delivered.

Would Wasps have dominated any scrums (or even been close to parity at any point) if the likes of Cole, Ayerza, Castro etc had been available?

Wasps' scrum improved massively under Young last season and both McIntyre (1st season as a LH) and Swainson look promising. Clearly that wasn't Tigers' best front row, but Wasps have some good potential now.

Harris the Tigers loosehead struggled a lot in the first half but turned it around in the second half. Balmain had McIntyre on the back foot throughout. Wasps were just a bit more savvy in front of the ref which will come to the two 21 year olds Tigers had on the field today.

Dai Young has done a damn good job giving Wasps a decent crack at both set pieces and got the horrible backrow back. A few tweaks here and there and they could be a HEC team again soon.

Wasps scrum was impressive, obviously that was a weakened Tigers pack but they still did very well to target it.

Impressed with the return to the old Wasps tenacity, they've really missed that in the past seasons.

Just need a far better 10 than they have currently and a bit more leadership in the backs to convert those dozens of chances to points.

Phil Swainston is an interesting player, he’s only 22/23 but he's had quite a lot first team experience. I remember him playing for Leeds in the Premiership a couple of years ago. He was beaten up in the scrum quite a lot, but I can remember thinking that he had something about him and that he was developing mettle.

I missed the game yesterday, how was this aspect of his play?

Watching the game in mute with just half an eye - I probably missed some scrums. The ones I saw Wasps were mangling the Tigers front row.

I try not to blame referees, but in this particular case, I think Davey's referreeing, in particular his management of the scrum and breakdown was shambolic. I think its the worst i've ever seen him perform.

The scrum went back and forth but Swainston really controlled his side well. Wasps were a little lucky to get away with their hooker standing up at every other scrum. Pair Swainston with an experienced loosehead like Payne and a more physical hooker (not sure Lyndsay will help there) and he could do some damage. He seemed really fired up.

Just need a far better 10 than they have currently and a bit more leadership in the backs to convert those dozens of chances to point

Robinson was a hinderance to Wasps. His chips in behind were dangerous but generally led to a lineout or Tigers ball and clearance. When you have that good possession he'd have put a lot more pressure on by simply building the phases. When Stephan Jones returns Wasps should gain that leadership. Bit surprised Tommy Bell didn't get a go off the bench.

One of the worst things about Robinson is that he never looks comfortable, don't know about you but if I was playing in that backline and most of the time my 10 looked like a rabit in headlights then it wouldn't instill me with confidence!!

A quality player even when ballsing up will keep call and look calm, Robinson just doesn't do that.