Springbok Carr makes presence felt on debut

NIZAAM Carr showed why Wasps fans should be hugely excited by his arrival as he scored a try in this comfortable win over the Ospreys.

Powerful forward Carr – who has five caps for South Africa – was the game’s stand-out performer on debut, crossing for Wasps’ final try in what was a dominant display from the pack.

It is understood Carr is open to staying on with Wasps and joining from the Stormers on a permanent deal when his current three-month contract expires.

“It went well. It was very wet out there and different to what I’m used to in Cape Town, but that’s something I’ll have to get used to,” Carr said.

“This performance showed we have a lot of young talent. The coaches have told me to enjoy myself and I tried to do that. All I had to do was fall over the line for my try.”

Tries from Antonio Harris, a Brendan Macken brace and Guy Armitage plus Carr’s effort – put Wasps in total control. Connor Eastgate kicked 11 points. Reuben Morgan Williams and Ifan Phillips crossed for the Ospreys.

“My lungs were burning in the second half, but I really enjoyed the game,” Carr said. “The boys have welcomed me here and I’m looking forward to this journey.”

Harris went blind and Macken intercepted to score Wasps’ first two tries before Armitage made it three. Eastgate booted two conversions and, at 19-0, a hammering looked on the cards. To their credit, the Ospreys came back fighting.

Impressive scrum-half Morgan Williams dived over from close range and Phillips also scored, with captain Luke Price adding a conversion.

Wasps had lost Paul Doran-Jones to a first-half yellow card for a professional foul, but it failed to stem their momentum. Ospreys were on the back foot physically and lost too many of their own line-outs.

Ospreys failed to score after the break and Carr made the game safe by powering over. Macken added his second just after the hour mark.

Acting Ospreys head coach Tom Smith said: “We are disappointed – we are a competitive bunch and want to win. The pleasing thing was the endeavour we showed.”