Sharks left stung by dominant Wasps
WASPS 50 SALE 35
WASPS scrum-half Dan Robson scored four tries as his side beat Sale in a superb 12-try opening fixture in the Aviva Premiership.
The hosts had too much attacking flair for Sale, who were run ragged at times, but the visitors showed commendable spirit to secure a bonus point.
Christian Wade, Alex Rieder and Will Rowlands were the other Wasps try-scorers, with Jimmy Gopperth converting six and adding a penalty.
Sale responded with tries from Byron McGuigan, Ben Curry, Denny Solomona, Faf De Klerk and Josh Strauss, with AJ MacGinty converting all five.
DRAGONS 16 LEINSTER 39
GAVIN HENSON’S return as a Welsh regional player following a five-year absence ended in a bonus-point defeat as Leinster ran out comprehensive winners over the Dragons.
Henson, 35, who had spells at London Welsh, Bath and Bristol after leaving Cardiff Blues in 2012, kicked three penalties while the Dragons were also awarded a penalty try.
However, Leinster controlled the game,13-6 up at half-time after scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park scored a try, converted by fly-half Ross Byrne – who also kicked two penalties.
The visitors also had a penalty try and touchdowns from wing Jordan Larmour, flanker Dan Leavy and Cathal Marsh. Byrne added the extras twice and Marsh converted his own try.