Wasps have clinched the accolade of finishing top of ‘the group of death’, beating the likes of, reigning champions, Toulon, Bath and Leinster to the top spot.
This was achieved when the Coventry based side put on a fantastic display for their fans, thrashing, Irish side, Leinster in a bonus point victory.
Leinster took the brighter start of the two teams, scoring a try with just three minutes played; Zane Kirchner landing the five points after receiving the ball to the right. Ireland international, Johnny Sexton – who was captaining Leinster for the first time as he made his 100th appearance for the club – missed the conversion.
Wasps were dealt another early blow as scrum-half, Joe Simpson, was taken off with a foot injury, being replaced by Dan Robson.
A great overlap soon allowed Jimmy Gopperth to land an impressively well worked try for Wasps to level the score. He also managed to convert the try, putting Wasps 7-5 in favour.
Wasps quickly added to their advantage, Dan Robson intercepting a ball infield, a pass to Joe Launchbury allowed him to run 20 metres to the try-line; Gopperth’s second conversion hit the post, leaving Wasps 12-5 in front.
Leinster then made an attack from a scrum on the blindside, it was believed that Wasps had pushed them into touch, but a TMO decision saw that there was no infringement and Eoin Reddan’s dive on the try-line stood. Cathal Marsh missed the conversion, leaving Wasps 12-10 in front.
Two penalties from ex-Leinster player, Gopperth, saw Wasps extend their lead to eight points.
Recent England Call-up, Elliot Daly, ran 40 metres to land an exquisite try and lifted the crowd’s spirits. The score even saw Leinster fans muster a mild applause. Daly’s man of the match performance saw Wasps go 25-10 up, as Gopperth converted another penalty.
Wasps’ luck turned out to be good this fixture, as they won a penalty try as a drive was broken down in between the posts. A simple conversion saw the score update to 32-10.
Frank Halai put his mark on the match, scoring another well-worked try for the boys in black and gold, the score increasing to 39-10 after yet another conversion from Gopperth.
Charles Piutau broke clear after a Leinster attack broke down, his rush saw Wasps land their sixth try of the match. Ruaridh Jackson, who had replaced Gopperth, took the conversion and succeeded in kicking it over the posts.
In the final minute of the amazing match, Ashley Johnson managed to force himself over the line and put Wasps past the 50 point milestone. Despite a missed conversion from Jackson, Wasps finished off a tremendous display in style.
Final Score: Wasps 51-10 Leinster
