Wasps defeat Leicester but Haskell stung by new injury

WASPS LEICESTER 22 16

England flanker James Haskell’s comeback from injury lasted barely a minute as Wasps reclaimed top spot in the Aviva Premiership yesterday after holding off a fierce Leicester fightback to secure a 22-16 win.

Haskell, sidelined since suffering a toe injury during England’s successful tour to Australia last summer, appeared as a second-half substitute for the hosts, but he was forced off almost immediately following a tackle on Tigers’ Freddie Burns.

Wasps, 19-0 up before half-time, courtesy of tries by Christian Wade, Tommy Taylor and Dan Robson, found themselves hanging on as Leicester began life after Richard Cockerill by responding superbly in front of a 27,930 crowd.

Cockerill lost his job as rugbydirectorlastmonday,with head coach Aaron Mauger taking interim charge, and the New Zealander will have been thrilled by Tigers’ second-half response.

Centre Peter Betham scored a try, with Owen Williams adding two penalties, while Burns slotted a penalty and conversion before Wasps edged a gripping encounter through a late Jimmy Gopperth penalty – following two earlier conversions – immediately after a yellow card for Tigers’ England prop Dan Cole to see Wasps home.

The result sees Wasps, who were protecting an unbeaten ten-match run at home, move back on top of the Premiership, three points above second-placed Saracens.