FLAG BAN BACKFIRES AS LEO GETS LUCKY

BATH ......................... 10 LEINSTER .................. 17 Exeter 19 Gloucester 27

NGLAND star Joe Cokanasiga was left crocked and sweating on a possible ban as Bath headed towards the European exit door. EXETER director of rugby Rob Baxter accepted that his side’s European campaign was virtually over as they crashed to a surprise defeat at Sandy Park.

Gloucester were deserved winners with tries from Willi Heinz, Jaco Visagie and Ben Morgan, while Danny Cipriani kicked four goals.

Baxter (right) said: “The group still haven’t got it mentally right around Europe yet. Gloucester were individually and collectively better than us. There was no clarity of thinking and we made error after error.” confiscated and Leinster complained on social media. “We brought 1,500 flags over for today’s game and Bath are refusing to let us distribute them. These flags have been passed as safe by airports and stadia all over the world.”

Bath responded: “We’re really sorry. The flags were tested against three safety criteria and failed all three.”

The home team’s day went from bad to worse despite their best performance of the season. Level at 7-7 and giving every bit as good as they got, a crooked throw by Cronin looked to have gifted them possession. French ref Mathieu Raynal allowed play to continue and home fly-half James Wilson tossed out a speculative pass. But instead of play being called back, Bath watched in horror as Larmour intercepted and raced 45 metres for the try.

“It was a big moment,” said Leinster boss

Leo Cullen. “The lineout went crooked and we got lucky.”