“Deadly Daly Delivers As Wasps Cruise To Victory” – Wasps 21 La Rochelle 3 – Match Report
This was an absolute ‘must win’ match for Wasps. They simply could not afford to lose otherwise their European ambitions would be over. They did not disappoint. After the
chastening experience last week in France when they conceded 49 points, this was some turnaround.
They were determined and committed from the outset, playing with confidence and ambition. Whilst opportunities came and went, they eventually scored with a fine finish from Elliot Daly, launching himself between two covering defenders to touch down in the corner. He promptly picked himself up and slotted the conversion from the touchline.
A seven point lead at the break seemed scant reward for their dominance yet Wasps stayed patient and extended their lead early in the second half. This followed an excellent team move, starting with a Nathan Hughes pick up, continued by slick handling from their backs, then a scything run and perfect offload from the improving Willie Le Roux and ending with another fine finish from Daly in the corner. Yet again, he stepped up and nailed the conversion.
Wasps’ plight was considerably aided by the rather strange decision of La Rochelle to make eight changes to their starting fifteen from last weekend’s demolition job and they paid for it. It was only when they began to unload the bench did they really begin to offer a threat and only a desperate flying tackle from Le Roux prevented the bulldozing replacement hooker, Pierre Bourgarit, scoring.
Whilst La Rochelle did kick a penalty, Wasps upped the ante again and their own replacement hooker, Tom Cruse, finished off a driving maul from a line out to make the game safe. Alas for Wasps, they could not quite force the bonus point try in the final moments, despite an electrifying break from Joe Simpson, on as a late replacement for the excellent Dan Robson.
A hugely satisfying win for Wasps and their European hopes remain alive.