JOEL MODEL
Kpoku likened to Itoje after helping Lyon down Wasps
20 18
By
JOEL KPOKU, the giant English forward who left Saracens in November in search of more game time, powered Lyon past Wasps and into the Challenge Cup Final.
Under a burning sun in France’s second city, Lyon overturned an 8-3 half-time deficit to edge the error-strewn Coventry side with two tries in six minutes.
“It’s a great feeling, one we’ve been chasing for a long time,” said London-born Kpoku, who was named man of the match – and then paid an even bigger compliment by being likened to former team-mate Maro Itoje.
“To finally be here now, having beaten a great Wasps side who tested us from minute one to 80, is surreal.”
Wasps were architects of their own downfall. Having silenced the crowd at Stade de Gerland through Dan Robson’s smart early try, they still led with less than half an hour to play.
As Lyon turned up the heat their handling went to pot, numerous mistakes gifting back the initiative to a French team without a trophy since 1933.
“At half-time we knew what we had to do,” added Kpoku. “It was about believing in ourselves and not letting indiscipline let them into the game.”
Wasps had the chance to extend their lead after the restart but were turned over on the try line. Energised by their defensive stand, Lyon swarmed upfield, weaving their way right then left with sharp passes for fly-half Leo Berdeu to score.
Although Wasps quickly pulled back a penalty, Lyon were now in the mood and when Jacob Umaga was stripped after fielding a high ball, lock Kpoku (right) drove through three tackles to set up replacement Yanis Charcosset for a try with his first touch. Former Wasps and England fly-half Andy Goode said: “You’ve got to remember Joel’s come from Saracens stock, where Maro Itoje, probably one of the best second rows in the world, is at the minute.
“So he’s learned from him. He’s a wonderful player and there were shades of Itoje in that performance – around the breakdown, physical, being a pain and very effective.”
Trailing 20-11 with 10 minutes to play, Wasps rallied as they saw their dream of a first major trophy since 2008 disappearing.
Dan Frost went over, only for the try to be chalked off for a Francois Hougaard knock-on.
Then replacement full-back Zach Kibirige went the length of the field, only to be denied over the Lyon line by a scrambling Davit Niniashvili.
Their persistence was rewarded when Jimmy Gopperth
bagged their second try from a lineout maul and added the extras
five minutes from time. It left them tantalisingly close to booking a final date in Marseille on Friday week but Gopperth’s earlier conversion miss would prove costly and it was Lyon, the great underachievers of French rugby, who advanced.
Wasps boss Lee Blackett said: “The game came down to a couple of moments and we lost those moments.
“The effort was outstanding and we’re all proud but we need to make sure we don’t let this derail our season.”
LYON: Tries: Berdeu, Charcosset. Cons: Berdeu (2). Pens: Berdeu (2). WASPS: Tries: Robson,
Gopperth. Con: Gopperth.
Pens: Gopperth (2).