Wasps slay Saracens
Wasps moved back into the Premiership play-off places with a comprehensive 40-29 victory over Saracens.
Last Updated: 21/04/08 9:52am
Wasps moved back into the Premiership play-off places with a comprehensive 40-29 victory over Saracens.
The Adams Park side have a habit of timing their end-of-season run to perfection, and after recording their eighth win on the bounce few would bet against them being in the mix for the Premiership final.
Despite going 7-0 after three minutes to a try from Francisco Leonelli and conversion Glen Jackson, Wasps hit back in emphatic fashion.
Within a space of nine minutes they were 21-7 up after tries from Raphael Ibanez, Tom Voyce and Dominic Waldouck - all converted by Danny Cipriani.
And the bonus point arrived on 21 minutes when Paul Sackey scored, propelling Wasps up to third in the standings.
Further tries from Waldouck and Eoin Reddan ensured Wasps could not be caught, however Leonelli's hat-trick, and scores from Neil de Kock and Richard Haughton set up a frantic finish.
Things did not start too brightly for Wasps, though, with Argentinean winger Leonelli crossing after just three minutes. Jackson converted.
However Wasps responded in fine style as former France captain Ibanez burrowed over from the restart following good work by Joe Worsley.
Tom Voyce doubled Wasps tally on eight minutes after a mistake from Adam Powell, before Cipriani broke free to set up Waldouck four minutes later.
Dangerous
The in-form Cipriani rubbed salt into the wounds by converting all three before tagging on the extras when Sackey scooted over.
The dangerous Leonelli kept Saracens in touch, though, with his second try seven minutes before the break - however Jackson failed with his conversion attempt.
And Wasps regained control before the interval as Cipriani set up Waldouck again before adding the conversion to see the visitors lead 35-12.
Things got worse for the home side when Ireland No.9 Reddan spirited free from 40m for the sixth try of the afternoon, although this time Cipriani failed to add the extras.
Leonelli completed his hat-trick on 53 minutes and, with Wasps replacement James Haskell sent to the sin-bin, Richard Haughton added to his increasing reputation with a bonus point try.
Suddenly Saracens were in the ascendancy and the deficit was cut to 11 when skipper de Kock wriggled free to score and Jackson converted.
However, Saracens had left themselves with too much to do, with Wasps holding out for the win.
