Wasps’ play-off hopes end in late collapse

Bath ended Wasps’ remote hopes of pinching a Premiership play-off place with a dramatic 29-17 bonus-point win at home on Sunday.

The hosts’ top-six aspirations remain alive and another bonus-point victory over Leicester Tigers in their final fixture will secure qualification for the European Champions Cup.

However, a stunning late collapse dented the visitors’ own top-six bid and ended their faint chances of reaching the play-offs.

Bath scored after just four minutes through Jonathan Joseph, but Wasps responded with tries from Nizaam Carr and Nathan Hughes, taking a 17-10 lead into the interval.

Wasps did not score again in the second half, however, and a late rally earned Bath the maximum five points.

Zach Mercer bundled over six minutes from time, before a stunning breakaway saw Joe Cokanasiga put the hosts in front.

Mercer then went through again in the dying seconds to complete a remarkable fightback.

80′ | TRY! The bonus-point is secured and what a comeback from @bathrugby. It’s that man @Mercer8Zach once again who goes over. [27-17] pic.twitter.com/rquWQFF1Vs

— Bath Rugby (@bathrugby) May 5, 2019

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