Away-day specialists Wasps stole a march on Zurich Premiership leaders Bath
and condemned rock-bottom Rotherham to a record 16th straight defeat.
The below-strength champions made it eight away wins in a row and secured an
all-important bonus point in the process to close the gap on the inactive
leaders to just two points.
Rotherham, who have now lost to every side in the Premiership this season,
trailed only 5-3 at half-time but they spent virtually the whole of the first
half on the back foot and conceded three tries in a decisive 16-minute spell
early in the second half.
It may not have been a Valentine's Day massacre but the Titans trailed 24-6
before claiming a couple of pushover tries which briefly set up a nerve-jangling
finish and earned them only their second point of the season.
But the Titans are still hopelessly cut adrift at the foot of the table and
they now take over the unwanted record of defeats at the start of a Premiership
season set by Bedford four years ago.
Wasps, who have suffered just one defeat since November, were without no fewer
than 11 regulars through injury and England calls and they also lost acting
captain Rob Howley and flanker Jonny O'Connor with injuries.
They were also forced to overcome greasy conditions and gritty opponents who
lacked a cutting edge in attack but tackled their hearts out.
Wasps' resourcefulness was typified by a magnificent performance from reserve
scrum-half Peter Richards, who proved a more than useful fly-half in the absence
of Alex King and Mark van Gisbergen while Fraser Waters put over a couple of
conversions as a makeshift marksman.
They were the more lively side from the start and ought to have scored when
second rower George Skivington knocked on after an incisive break by the
ever-dangerous Ayoola Erinle while powerful winger John Rudd also went close
before Howley's short pass got prop Tim Payne crashing over from close range for
the first try on 24 minutes.
A rare break out of defence by centre Jon Pritchard set up the position for
fly-half Jon Benson to slot over a penalty goal after the Wasps backline drifted
offside for the home side's only first-half points.
A two-point interval lead was scant reward for Wasps' attacking flair but they
secured the all-important bonus within 16 minutes of the re-start.
Richards darted over two minutes into the second half for his first try,
Howley scampered 50 metres for an interception try and Richards then followed up
his own kick to force a crucial turnover for his second after Charlie Harrison
had been left hopelessly exposed in defence.
But, from apparently coasting at 24-6, Wasps suddenly found themselves
launching a rearguard action after the home side forced replacement hooker Andy
Long and prop Colin Noone over for tries from close range in quick succession.
Benson converted both touchdowns to add to his two penalties and at least
ensure the consolation of a bonus point for his side.
Almost inevitably, however, Wasps had the final say when replacement
scrum-half Harvey Biljon stretched his side's lead with a penalty in stoppage
time.
Teams
Rotherham: Stortoni, Elliott, Pritchard, Umaga, Wood, Benson,
Harrison, Olkers, Johnson, Noon, Volschenk, Gross, Greeff,
Van Der Merwe, McLeod-Henderson.
Replacements: Pieters for Elliott (27),
Jorgensen for Umaga (60), Lloyd for Olkers (58),
Long for Johnson (58), Kenworthy for Volschenk (60),
Tuiavii for McLeod-Henderson (21).
Not Used: Rhodes.
Tries: Long, Noon.
Cons: Benson 2.
Pens: Benson 2.
Wasps: Voyce, Roiser, Waters, Erinle, Rudd, Richards, Howley,
Payne, Leota, Green, Skivington, Purdy, Volley, O'Connor, Lock,
Hart.
Replacements: Roberts for Roiser (71), Denney for Waters (62),
Biljon for Howley (53), Nwume for Green (62),
Clarke for Volley (33), Hart for O'Connor (39),
Gotting for Hart (49).
Tries: Payne, Richards 2, Howley.
Cons: Waters 2.
Pens: Biljon.
Att: 2,000
Ref: Wayne Barnes (RFU).
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