Cancellation benefits Bath, Robshaw ends a winner
SALE’S rescheduled match with Worcester Warriors was called off on Wednesday after Premiership Rugby reported six more Sharks players had tested positive for Covid-19.
The game was originally due to take place on Sunday, but it was rearranged for Wednesday after 19 cases of coronavirus in the Sharks camp.
Worcester were awarded a 20-0 win and Sale missed out on the play-offs.
Bath were the main beneficiaries of the cancellation as they secured the fourth play-off spot to face leaders Exeter.
Bath’s draw at Saracens on Sunday had opened the door for Sale after Stuart Hopper’s side squandered a 14-point lead to only tie at Allianz Park.
Needing a bonus-point win to guarantee a top-four finish, Bath went 14-0 up with tries from Beno Obano and Ben Spencer inside the first quarter.
Rhys Priestland’s penalty took them 17-3 clear but the relegated champions hit back in their final game of the season.
A penalty try and Tim Swinson’s score allowed Manu Vunipola to snatch a 17-17 draw.
Wasps secured their home semi-final in the Premiership play-offs with a bonus-point win over leaders Exeter, who had already clinched top spot.
Tries from Jacob Umaga, Dan Robson and Jimmy Gopperth, who finished with a 19-point haul, put the hosts 25-0 up.
The bonus point Wasps required was secured three minutes after the interval when Josh Bassett crossed.
Prop Danny Southworth rumbled over on his Premiership debut for the depleted Chiefs, but Ben Vellacott’s double added further gloss.
Wasps faced Bristol yesterday after Pat Lam’s side ensured a play-off place thanks to a bonus-point win over London Irish.
Bristol dominated the match with early tries from Semi Radradra and Ben Earl putting them in control. Ollie Hassell-Collins replied, but three more Bears tries secured the win.
The introduction of Callum Sheedy and Kyle Sinckler played a big part in Bears’ strong finish, with Harry Thacker scoring from a driving lineout for the third try.
The fourth Bristol score came from a penalty try for collapsing another drive and Will Capon added the fifth on 80 minutes to make it 36-7.
Former England captain Chris Robshaw’s 300th and final Harlequins appearance ended on a high as he led his side to a thrilling 32-26 bonus-point win at Leicester.
Hooker Tom Youngs went over for Tigers, but the visitors responded in style.
Alex Dombrandt ran from inside his own half after an interception to put Quins ahead and Joe Marchant went over in the corner.
Nemani Nadolo and Matt Scott crossed for a spirited Tigers, but Marchant and James Lang tries ensured an away win.
Harlequins boss Paul Gustard said: “Chris deserves all the accolades he gets. To play 300 games for Harlequins is an incredible achievement.”
Robshaw will play for the Barbarians, coached by Vern Cotter, against England at Twickenham on October 25 before joining San Diego Legion.