20 Questions: Jack Wallace – Bristol full-back
It was as nice as it was hectic. I had Christmas Day with the family but I was back in training on Boxing Day to prepare for the game against London Welsh. It was the same this week with the trip to Nottingham.
Did that 35-0 win over the Exiles make it all worth it?
It was great to be back in a packed Ashton Gate and put in a performance like that against a team who played in the Premiership last season.
Was it your best game of the season?
Defensively it was. To keep them scoreless was pretty satisfying but we probably left a couple of tries out there.
Happy with the first half of the season?
We’re in a great position going into 2016. But we don’t take anything too seriously until the play-offs. What’s key for us is that we keep building that winning mentality.
Is it hard to keep focussed when you know you’ll be in the play-offs?
No! We’re still improving and we have to keep doing so week on week to be on top form come the last games of the season because they’re the ones that count. We know we have enough talent to win games if we play as well as we can.
Is that a big change from last year?
It’s hard to say. Teams in this league are tough to play against whether that’s home or away. But we try not to focus too much on the opposition.
How do you cope with that favourites tag?
We’re under no illusion that playing against us is many teams’ Cup final. So we’re aware we have to bring our A-game every week to be in a good place come the play-offs.
Areas to improve in 2016?
All round really. Defensively we’ve been hit and miss and we’ve leaked too many points at times. We have to be more consistent and that goes for our attack too.
Most pleasing thing?
Getting some good results away from home. We also tried to make Ashton Gate a fortress so teams fear coming down to play us.
Yorkshire Carnegie were expected to be in the top four but what about Doncaster and Bedford?
It’s not a surprise to see the Knights and the Blues there. Doncaster have been really consistent and going to Castle Park is never easy. They’re building nicely and it’s great to see. Bedford turned us over on the opening day and they’ve done well since.
Do you look at the Premiership enviously?
That’s the way it is. The second leg of the final could have gone either way but we’re in the Championship again this season. We know that if we perform there’s not a team that can beat us. We just have to do it now.
What about your own season?
I’m really happy. I’ve had some niggles in the past but I managed to string some games together playing in 11 of the 13 Championship games so far.
Third season at the club?
Yes and it’s flown by. I made my 50th appearance last week against London Welsh and I’ve very grateful for it. They’ve taken me as their own and I’m loving playing for a club with such history.
Why leave Wasps?
I came through the academy there and I was lucky to play in the first team alongside legends like Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley and Simon Shaw. But I wanted to play more and Bristol have given me that.
Tell us something we wouldn’t know about Andy Robinson?
He can throw some moves on the dance floor. No doubt he’ll be busting some of those out on the pitch if we win promotion.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
That’s a tough one. I’m a London lad so I’d probably still be there working.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’m usually tucking into a pepperoni pizza after games.
Three special dinner guests?
Comedians Kevin Hart and Simon McIntyre as well as David Beckham who seems to be a great bloke.
Best and worst banter at Bristol?
Ross McMillan is a nice guy but his banter is terrible. James Phillips cracks me up though.
Best and worst dressed?
Apart from myself, I’d have to say Ben Mosses for best dressed. However I sit next to James Hall in the changing room and some of the stuff he pulls out of his bag you wouldn’t believe.
