Lovobalavu power surge signals Wasps fightback

WASPS began their preseason showing great signs of resilience by coming back from behind twice to beat Ulster in Belfast on Thursday evening.

Despite the rain making for tricky handling conditions, the Premiership finalists won the contest by scoring four tries to two as Craig Hampson, Simon McIntyre, Josh Bassett and Danny Cipriani all went over.

After being forced to defend their line after the opening exchanges, it was Wasps who took the lead 11 minutes in with scrum-half Hampson going over near the posts.

Cipriani converted for 7-0 up but former Bath academy player Brett Herron reduced the gap ten minutes later with a penalty for Ulster.

They came close to scoring their first try soon after through impressive centre Stuart McCloskey but defensive pressure forced a knock-on a few metres from the posts.

Wasps immediately conceded a free-kick at the scrum, however, which gave the home side an excellent attacking opportunity and former Harlequins lock Pete Browne made them pay, barging his way over the line. Herron’s conversion attempt went wide but Ulster were in front for the first time of the game, leading 8-7 with 12 minutes of

the half to play.

Opting to go for touch rather than take the points on many occasions, Wasps’ endeavour was rewarded one minute before the break when loosehead McIntyre crossed following a well-worked lineout drive. They led 14-8 at the interval after Cipriani converted.

But Ulster were back in front after only three minutes of the second half as No.8 Nick Timoney charged through in midfield to send Callum Patterson over by the posts. Pete Nelson’s conversion took the lead for Ulster at 15-14.

Wasps had an early chance to respond with summer signing Gaby Lovobalavu’s break taking play to within metres of the line but the slippery ball was dropped.

Within minutes the Fijian centre was at it again and this time he made it count by launching a thrilling counterattack which ended with Josh Bassett going over near the left corner.

Wasps were 19-15 ahead and would not be caught again. Cipriani put the game to bed on the hour after some fine mauling from his forwards and a break from scrum-half Dan Robson.

The fly-half converted to take his tally to 11 points and conclude a confidenceboosting evening two weeks before the Premiership kicks off with Sale visiting the Ricoh Arena.