Dallaglio beaming after Scarlets hiding

Nov 19 2007 by Andy Howell, Western Mail

LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO described London Wasps’ victory at the Scarlets as the Heineken Cup holders best of the campaign.

The England and British and Irish Lions colossus claimed being in the same group as fellow European big-wigs Munster, last season’s semi-finalists the Scarlets and powerful French out-fit Clermont Auvergne was an inspiration.

“We relish the challenge of playing against these great sides. It is almost good to have these quality teams in our group because it brings the best out of us,” he said.

“That win over the Scarlets was certainly our best performance of the season and bodes well going forward.

“We recognise the significance of getting a foothold in this group and we have done that. It was important we asserted ourselves.

”It is the first time we have won at Stradey Park in the Heineken Cup but we certainly won’t be getting ahead of ourselves.”

Pressed on whether he would have a problem with Wasps coach Shaun Edwards joining Wales on a part-time basis, Dallaglio snapped, “I wouldn’t, but I think Shaun might cause problems for England! I don’t want this issue to detract from our quality performance at the Scarlets.”

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan, commented, “We said that away wins are hard to get in this group, so to get a five-point away win is a tremendous performance.

“Credit to the players. They worked very hard. The back three did a lot of the unsung stuff, carrying and not making many mistakes.” Wasps crossed five times to secure a bonus point, former British Lions and Scotland coach McGeechan, saying, “To get the tries we did was obviously very pleasing.

“The midfield played well but that was because the pack went well. Some facts of life don’t change in this game.

“The pack produced some excellent ball and we had a midfield who know how to use it.”