Wasps left hoping for a miracle

Wasps 16 Toulouse 24

WASPS were left licking their European wounds as Dai Young’s men crashed to a damaging defeat and can ostensibly wave goodbye to their Champions Cup chances.

They lost out to a Toulouse side who are flying high at the top of Pool 1 after three successive wins and will entertain Wasps in the return in France next weekend.

There was more bad news for the hosts as they lost Nathan Hughes to a first-half injury. The forward limped off after less than 20 minutes with what appeared to be a hip problem. Hughes, who returned last month for England after a ban for punching, was hurt when smashed to the ground by Toulouse lock Joe Tekori.

Wasps fly-half Lima Sopoaga kicked an early penalty only for centre Cheslin Kolbe to grab a superb solo try for the visitors.

Toulouse had prop Maks van Dyk sin-binned for a dangerous high hit on opposite number Kieran Brookes. Wasps took advantage when lock Will Rowlands charged over for a try to help ensure a lead of 13-11 at the break.

Toulouse full back Thomas Ramos kicked his side ahead shortly into the second half before centre Sofiane Guitoune broke through some weak tackling and strolled over for another Toulouse try converted by Ramos.

Elliot Daly and Ramos then exchanged penalties but, even with Louis Madaule sin-binned for treading on Brad Shields, Wasps could not break down the thick red line. They now need a miracle of three bonus-point wins to have any chance of progressing.