Adam Balding has crucial role in Wasps match

Apr 5 2009 by Nick Purewal, Sunday Sun

LYNCHPIN Adam Balding will have a key role cementing the Newcastle Falcons pack at Wasps today.

Falcons rugby director Steve Bates reckons Balding has been in sensational form for his resurgent side since the turn of the year.

Delighted he can call on the former Leicester No 8 for today’s Adams Park trip (kick-off 3pm), Bates said Balding will glue the pack’s hard work and make it stick fast from the back of the scrum.

Balding missed out against former club Leicester last week, a shoulder injury laying him low as the Falcons ran out 14-10 winners.

Bates, pictured, admitted he could have risked Balding – but felt the gamble was based on near-crazy odds.

Bates said: "Adam was not that far away last week, but really if we had played him he would now probably be out for a while.

"It’s the call you make and with the medical staff’s expert advice we feel we made the right one. No doubt it was a shame he missed playing against the side that brought him through, but at the same time he will be delighted to be back and feeling good this weekend. And we’re pleased to have him back, because since Christmas he has been an important player for us.

"He’s been a cornerstone of the pack in some respects in certain matches, and it’s his calm authority and experience that have helped in a lot of situations.