Why Wasps Could Surprise in the Aviva Premiership in 2014-15

It has been a depressing drought for Wasps fans the last few years, a far cry from the glory days under Dallaglio and Gatland. However, there are signs of encouragement that Wasps could return as a major force in both the Aviva Premiership and in Europe.

A year after claiming seventh in the league, and defeating Stade Francais in a play-off for the 2014-15 European Champions Cup, a revival has taken place at Adams Park that could see Wasps break into the top six, or possibly the play-off spots.

After years of watching star players like Danny Cipriani and Dom Waldouck leave for more lucrative offers from other clubs, combined with crippling injuries to some of their brightest young talents such as Tom Rees, Wasps have not only held onto their best players, but poached some quality players from their rivals.

There are four key additions to a pack that struggled at times in the Premiership last year, while some exciting talent has been brought into the backs, including a vast amount of international experience.

Experienced internationals John Yapp and Lorenzo Cittadini join from Edinburgh and Benetton Treviso respectively, adding to the depth of talent in the front row of Matt Mullan and Carlo Festuccia. A front row of Yapp, Festuccia and Cittadini will feature plenty of power and experience, with the trio combining for more than 100 international caps for Wales and Italy.

A lock pairing of Welsh international Bradley Davies, arriving from Cardiff Blues and blossoming England star Joe Launchbury looks to be a real strength, creating one of the most talented pairings in European rugby. Fellow new arrival, and former Sale Sharks captain James Gaskell is able to cover admirably in the second row or on the flank during International weekends.

Wasps’ greatest strength lies in the back row. Captain James Haskell will be desperate to prove that he deserves to be starting for England in next year’s World Cup, while fellow loose forwards Sam Jones and Ashley Johnson are set to shine. Explosive No. 8 Nathan Hughes, fresh off a stunning debut campaign in which he scored four tries in English rugby, will continue to impress.

In the backs, Wasps will look to play some exciting rugby, considering the speed and talent at the disposal of halfbacks Joe Simpson and Scotland international Ruaridh Jackson, another new signing.

Veteran centres Chris Bell and Ben Jacobs will be fighting for their places now that Alapati Leiua has joined the squad. The Samoan international wing/centre will be challenging for the No. 13 shirt following his arrival from Super Rugby’s Hurricanes. This addition gives Director of Rugby Dai Young plenty of quality options moving throughout the season.

In Tom Varndell, Christian Wade, and new recruit Sailosi Tagicakibau, Wasps have a trio of devastating wingers competing for playing time, each with blistering pace. The threat of Wasps’ flying wingers will allow extra space for those inside, while demonstrating their ability to finish given space. Varndell and Tagicakibau have scored 112 Premiership tries between them.

The magnificent Elliot Daly is likely to continue at full-back completing a brilliant, counter attacking back-three with whomever is playing on the wings.

The new signings have allowed Dai Young to create a deep squad capable of playing exciting, attacking rugby, with a strong scrum and sturdy defence, and importantly one able to cover for the loss of internationals.

A shock win against last year's defeated finalists Saracens could be on the cards at Twickenham on Saturday, showing the league that once again Wasps mean business.

Suddenly, six years since their last trophy, the future is looking bright for Wasps, and the top six is beckoning. Maybe even the play-offs, and as history shows that’s when Wasps are at their best.