Superb Wasps boost top-four chances with historic Sandy Park win

Wasps put in one of their best performances of the season to earn an historic first Premiership win at Exeter Chiefs and significantly boost their top-four hopes.

Nine previous visits to Sandy Park had proved fruitless, but Wasps turned it on when it mattered most as a bonus-point triumph left Dai Young’s side just three points adrift of fourth-place Harlequins.

Willie Le Roux, Juan De Jongh, Marcus Watson and Zurabi Zhvania all touched down to earn the extra point before a fine backs-against-the-wall defensive showing saw out a 26-19 victory against the table-topping Chiefs, who are already guaranteed a home semi-final.

Jack Nowell and Nic White tries had the Chiefs 12-0 ahead by the 23rd minute, but Wasps came roaring back with three tries in 10 minutes before the break.

FULL-TIME | Exeter Chiefs 19-26 Wasps

A BONUS-POINT WIN AND A FIRST EVER WIN AT SANDY PARK!!! pic.twitter.com/MurpFp23eR

— Wasps Rugby (@WaspsRugby) April 14, 2019

Le Roux touched down after fine play down the right and De Jongh finished following great work from powerhouse Nathan Hughes, whose unlikely grubber kick then set up Watson’s score.

The match appeared sewn up with just under 20 minutes remaining as Zhvania was the beneficiary of sensational hands from Gabiriele Lovobalavu.

But the Chiefs do not give up easily at home and Jack Yeandle bundled over to set up a grandstand finish.

Wasps had to withstand several phases as the clock wound down but stand firm they did in a match they simply could not afford to lose.

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