Gaby goes with a bang in try fest

THE Aviva Premiership has certainly begun with a bang. The opening six fixtures yielded 374 points — a fraction over 62 each — with a record 50 tries, on dry pitches, under clear skies. Saracens really lit the attacking fuse but Wasps signalled their intention to mount another compelling title challenge with their own half-century, against Sale in Coventry. In the last year or so, Dai Young’s side may have lost two magicians, first Charles Piutau, then Kurtley Beale, from their all-singing, all-dancing back line. But initial impressions suggest that veteran centre Gaby Lovobalavu (above) — a summer signing from Bayonne — will be a shrewd addition. His hard-hitting, off-loading routine lived up to the stereotype about Fijian flair and ferocity, and reinforced the sense that Wasps, with Lee Blackett astutely organising the backs, are ready to run amok again in this campaign.