Wasps miss out on qualification at Munster

Munster…………..45

Tries: Murray, Zebo (2), O’Donoghue, Loughman, R Scannell Cons: Healy (4), Crowley (2) Pens: Healy

Wasps…………….7

Tries: Robson Cons: Atkinson

Wasps were knocked out of the Champions Cup after a heavy defeat at the hands of Munster, as Simon Zebo became the Limerick sides top try-scorer in Europe.

The defeat left Stade Francais in the final qualification spot of Pool B. Wasps needed a bonus point victory to overtake the French team – ultimately failing.

Munster opened the scoring as Conor Murray went between the posts for the opener. Zebo then moved ahead of the late Anthony Foley to become Munster’s leading European try-scorer after collecting a Ben Healy kick and crossing.

Wasps enjoyed considerable time in Munster territory in the first half but in pursuit of four tries that would have secured a bonus point they only found one through scrum-half Robson that, although briefly bringing them back into the contest, was not enough to truly threaten Munster’s control of the game.

Jack O’Donoghue re-established the hosts’ comfortable lead just before the half hour mark after Gavin Coombes peeled off the back of the scrum with a ferocious carry up to the line, allowing O’Donoghue to pick up and touch down.

Wasps could not capitalise on the 10 minute period in which they enjoyed a man advantage with Coombes in the sin-bin, and upon the back row’s reintroduction found themselves further behind as Loughman barrelled over.

Robson was then sent to the bin for attempting to clear out Conor Murray from the side as Wasps’ challenge fizzled out with little resistance, as Zebo and Rory Scannell exploited a tired visiting defence late on to extend Munster’s lead.

Munster: Haley; Conway, Farrell, Scannell, Zebo; Healy, Murray; Loughman, Barron, Archer; Kleyn, Beirne; O’Mahony (capt), O’Donoghue, Coombes.

Replacements: Buckley, J Wycherley, Ryan, F Wycherley, Hodnett, Casey, Crowley, Kendellen.

Wasps: Crossdale; Watson, Odogwu, Mills, Bassett; Atkinson, Robson; West, Cruse, Millar-Mills; Stooke, Gaskell; Shields (capt), Young, Carr.

Replacements: Oghre, Martinez, Scholtz, Cardall, Morris, Porter, Miller, Spi