New-look London Wasps give Elliot Daly licence to thrill fans

Elliot Daly will have to go some to emulate his hero Brian O’Driscoll.
But he hopes a permanent switch to the No.13 jersey in a resurgent Wasps side next season will allow him to fulfil his rich potential.
A star performer for England against the Barbarians last week, Daly’s star is in the ascendant both internationally and at club level.
And with Wasps boss Dai Young earmarking him for the key outside-centre role, the multi-talented Daly is desperate to get started.
He told The Rugby Paper: “I’ve played full-back, wing and midfield for Wasps, but hopefully I can play more at No.13 next season.
“I just want to get better every year and settle into a position now where, hopefully, I can be more of a playmaker for the side.
“Dai’s on board with it, he’ll back you 100 per cent, along with our other coaches Stephen Jones and Brad Davis, and I want to do it.
“I want to be much more of a creative force next season. I want to make more space for other people and I’m working on that.
“We’ve signed good attacking players for next season in Rob Miller and Alapati Leiua and they can help push us to the next level.
“I want to be central to that and with guys like Rob, Christian Wade and Tom Varndell in our back three, we’ll have real license to attack.”
Daly could have no better role model than Dubliner O’Driscoll, whose career he has followed closely since his days at Whitgift School.
Of the retired Ireland and Lions legend, Daly, 21, says: “Growing up, Brian O’Driscoll is the one person I’ve followed more than anyone.
“He creates things out of nothing, is always really solid in attack and defence and never seems to make any mistakes.
“He’s got a few tricks in his locker too, which I like, and that’s what I want to get into my game and get up to the level of.
“Playing No.13 is pretty different from full-back in terms of defending, but I want to be up there as one of the best defensive centres.
“I’ve been working hard on that and if I can aspire to reach the level of O’Driscoll, that’s not a bad role model to have, is it?”
With Wasps qualifying for the Rugby Champions Cup, Daly is looking forward to showcasing his talents at European rugby’s top table.
“It’s big for the club and we really wanted it this year,” he said. “Credit to our new owner, Derek Richardson, who’s put in a lot for us and ensured things are solid, whereas before it was a mess.
“There are no qualms or worries now and it’s just head down to make sure the rugby is right to repay him for what he’s done.”
Having enjoyed a taste of international rugby, Daly now wants more. He added: “There’s lots of competition in England’s midfield with Manu Tuilagi, Luther Burrell and Jonathan Joseph around, but I really want to push on now and next season will be a big one for both me and Wasps.
“I haven’t spoken to Stuart Lancaster as much this year but I know I’m on his radar and the ball’s in my court to make it count.”
NEALE HARVEY