Late try breaks Wasps hearts against Toulon in European Champions Cup - The Coventry Observer

Late try breaks Wasps hearts against Toulon in European Champions Cup

Coventry Editorial 18th Jan, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

A LATE try in what proved to be the final play of the match broke Wasps hearts on Sunday after they fell to a narrow 15-11 defeat away at European giants Toulon.

Dai Young’s Wasps were on course to become the first team to beat Toulon on their home turf in 21 European Champions Cup matches after Guy Thompson powered his way through three tacklers to put the visitors 11-8 in front with just three minutes remaining.

But Drew Mitchell went over for a match-winning try with the clock at zero and  Michalak added the conversion, to end a thrilling encounter, which had brought Wasps so close to glory.

“I’m absolutely gutted for the players,” said Young. “That’s heart-breaking for them.




“I couldn’t have asked much more from the guys. We talked before the game, saying let’s not go away from here with ifs, buts and maybes or any regrets. We said let’s give it our best shot and I couldn’t have asked much more.

“We were under pressure for large periods of the game, but we showed our resolve and we showed how much we mean to each other, fighting for each other.  With 80 minutes on the clock we had won that game and I really feel for the players involved.


Young also paid tribute to the travelling Wasps fans who made the short journey to France in large numbers.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all the supporters who made the effort to travel over to support the boys, which we all really appreciated.

“The support we have received here has been first class and it means a great deal to the squad. I’m just sorry we couldn’t quite get over the line and win that one for them today.”

Wasps are back in action this Saturday when they host Leinster in their final Pool 5 Champions Cup fixture.

A win would guarantee Wasps a place in the knockout stages of the competition and Young knows his side are in for another difficult test.

He added: “We have still given ourselves an opportunity to advance out of the pool stages when not many people would have given us a chance when the pool draw first came out.

“It will be a massive game against Leinster at the Ricoh Arena next Saturday. Leinster are obviously a quality team, they are three times champions as well, so we know it will be tough. Beating them once is a big feat, twice would be a major step.

“It will be a huge challenge but we are confident we can hopefully finish the job next week.”

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