Haskell’s comeback injury takes gloss off victory
JAMES Haskell was taken off the field just 36 seconds into his comeback game last Sunday after being knocked out in the 22-16 home win over Leicester.
Haskell, who had been out for seven months with a toe injury, came on as a second-half substitute but was forced off after a tackle on Freddie Burns. He will, however, be considered for next weekend’s clash with Zebre, after coming through concussion protocols.
Christian Wade, Tommy Taylor and Dan Robson tries put Wasps 19-3 ahead.
Peter Betham’s try reduced the deficit but Jimmy Gopperth’s penalty ensured Wasps returned to the top of the table.
Leicester, playing their first match since the sacking of Richard Cockerill, were suffering a third successive defeat.
Wade scored his ninth Premiership try of the season early on, before Taylor was put over in a drive and Robson crossed following a fast breakout by Thomas Young.
After the interval, Tigers came out strongly, and following Betham’s score, Burns’ penalty made it 19-16. But Dan Cole’s yellow card for being offside gave the hosts some impetus, and Gopperth’s kick from the resulting penalty made it a six-point game.
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “We came out of the blocks, got some quick ball to play off and were disappointed we didn’t come away with more points in the first half. Once you give a team like Leicester a bit of momentum, it’s very hard to snatch it back. We were in total control in the first half, and pretty much hanging on for dear life in the last 10 minutes.
“You know the players Leicester have got, they’re a proud bunch and never know when they’re beaten. I am pleased we’ve won – I don’t want to downplay that – but we constantly talk about learning from every game.”
Leicester head coach Aaron Mauger added: “I don’t think you’d ever question the character of our guys. We talked about playing for each other and I was really proud of the way they responded in the second half.
“We’ve lost some good men this season due to our performances, and we’re all responsible for that.”