Tag Archives: Wasps

Anthony Watson’s 85th-minute converted attempt secured Bath a dramatic win more than Wasps in the European Champions Cup.

With new England boss Eddie Jones watching, Rob Miller’s attempt looked adequate for Wasps soon after Jonathan Joseph and Matt Banahan crossed for Bath.

But Wasps lost two guys to the sin-bin in the final minutes as they attempted to defend a five-point lead.

Watson’s score in the corner followed by George Ford’s difficult conversion handed Bath victory.

Pool 5 leaders Wasps are now only two points ahead of Bath, who have played one particular game fewer, with reigning champions Toulon a additional 4 points behind right after their 24-9 win more than Leinster.

Regardless of outscoring the hosts 3 tries to a single, Bath have been not at their cost-free-flowing best, and regularly relied on a belligerent rearguard to hold Wasps only metres away from the try-line.

But it was the Wasps defence which was scrambling in the final minutes and, following losing Lorenzo Cittadini and George Smith to the sin-bin, Bath have been able to take possession from an uncontested scrum and tee up Watson.

Daly’s day coming with England?

Amid the drama, England head coach Jones, who also watched Exeter’s tremendous win more than Clermont Auvergne on Saturday, saw numerous Englishmen make instances to be integrated in his initial squad in January.

Joseph’s try, following collecting a loose ball when Tom Ellis tackled Ruaridh Jackson, was a reminder of the centre’s scintillating pace and expert finishing capacity.

Earlier, Banahan, who won the most recent of his 16 Test caps five years ago, combined tremendously with Nikola Matawalu to score right after James Haskell had relinquished possession.

Wasps’ Elliot Daly stood out, enhancing his expanding reputation and pressing his England claims.

With Exeter’s Henry Slade injured, there is an opening at centre for subsequent year’s Six Nations, and Daly’s attacking verve and slick passing will make him a tempting alternative to Joseph in the number 13 shirt.

The 23-year-old’s nicely-timed pass enabled Miller to cross soon after countryman Joe Launchbury – excellent at lock – made ground through a gap down the other side of the pitch.

Jones will also have left the Ricoh Arena with the image of England fly-half Ford showing the nerve to kick a conversion that grasped an unlikely victory for the guests.

Wasps: Miller Tagicakibau, Daly, Jacobs, Piutau Jackson, Simpson Mullan, Johnson, Cooper-Woolley Launchbury, Davies Haskell, G. Smith, N. Hughes.

Replacements: Leiua for Jacobs (68), Gopperth for Jackson (59), Robson for Simpson (71), McIntyre for Mullan (67), Cittadini for Cooper-Woolley (48), Gaskell for Davies (64), Jones for N. Hughes (71).

Not Used: Shervington.

Sin bin: Cittadini (79), G. Smith (80).

Bath: Watson Rokoduguni, Joseph, K. Eastmond, Banahan Ford, Matawalu Lahiff, Batty, Wilson Ellis, Attwood Garvey, Louw, Denton.

Replacements: Priestland for K. Eastmond (71), Homer for Banahan (65), Catt for Lahiff (55), Webber for Batty (55), Thomas for Wilson (41), Houston for Ellis (13), Ewels for Denton (59).

Not Utilized: Cook.

Attendance: 9,500

Referee: Jerome Garces (France).