Dai Young admits scoreline flattered Wasps after Midlands side win to keep up pressure on Premiership leaders Saracens
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young admitted his side were far from their sparkling best despite keeping the pressure on Premiership leaders Saracens with a 31-6 victory over Newcastle Falcons at the Ricoh Arena.
While victory was tarnished by prop Marty Moore being stretchered off with a neck injury, Wasps recorded their sixth win in seven matches following a penalty try and touchdowns from wing Frank Halai and fly-half Jimmy Gopperth, who dotted down twice.
The Midlands club sit second in the standings, a point behind Saracens and two clear of third-placed Bath, who beat rivals Exeter 13-10 yesterday courtesy of a last-gasp try from England wing Semesa Rokoduguni.
“It was a bit of a tired and flat performance and the scoreline flattered us,” said Young. “We didn’t show much control and were fortunate to get a bonus-point win.
“We’ve had a lot of big games lately and some of our players badly need next week off to recharge their batteries.”
Bath boss Todd Blackadder, meanwhile, followed the trend of adopting an underwhelmed mindset despite winning after his side edged a low-scoring close encounter at Sandy Park.
Chiefs second row Mitch Lees hinted at an Exeter triumph by crossing the line from a maul, only for Rokoduguni to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the sixth minute of added time.
“I’m not getting carried away at all,” said Blackadder. “I don’t think we’re the complete side, not by a long way. That was a true test and exposed a few areas of weakness for us, so we’ll have a good look at ourself.
“But if anything we showed fantastic character. It was good, gutsy stuff and we’ll learn from it.”
Former Welsh international Gavin Henson lasted just 11 minutes of his comeback before succumbing to a shoulder injury as bottom club Bristol were downed 31-13 by Sale Sharks at Ashton Gate.