THEY may not have been at their best but Wasps’ director of rugby Dai Young says he will take any victory over Northampton Saints which further cements his side’s chance of making the Aviva Premiership play-offs.
Another four valuable points came in the shape of a 28-6 victory at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday and moved Wasps 11 points away from fifth-placed Northampton.
A try on 22 minutes by Rob Miller and a well taken penalty by Jimmy Gopperth gave the hosts a narrow 10-3 lead at the break.
Both sides exchanged penalties after the break before Miller scored his second try of the afternoon to give Wasps a 14-point cushion with 12 minutes left.
Elliot Daly kicked his second penalty of the match and Jamie Stevenson darted over in the right corner for his first Premiership try as Wasps claimed a tenth with in 11 league matches but Young was not overly pleased with the performance.
“It was quite a strange atmosphere in the dressing room,” said Young. “Obviously there were a lot of smiles because we won, but we certainly weren’t going over the top.
“I think everyone knows were weren’t at our best, so it was slightly tinged with disappointment in the way that we played.
“It doesn’t matter how you get it, to get a win against Saints is great. We haven’t had that many wins over Northampton in recent years, so we were very pleased to get the four points.
“We’ve got a bit of breathing space now. One more win and I think mathematically we have secured our place in the play-offs.
“Obviously we are going to give it our best shot, there are a lot of tough games ahead but we’ve got to make sure we finish the job now. We are certainly in there with a chance now.”
Attentions turn away from the Aviva Premiership this weekend when Wasps host Exeter Chiefs in the quarter-final of the European Champions Cup.
Young knows his side must raise their game for the match at the Ricoh Arena but he insists its a challenge that all players and coaches will relish.
He added: “Everyone realises that Sunday’s performance won’t be good enough. But we’ve put together a good run and players have taken their opportunities really well.
“Competition for places is fierce across the squad so selection is going to be tough.”
