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Rieder stretchered off as Wasps extend Chiefs' slump
By Iain Strachan
Wasps edged an arm wrestle with Exeter Chiefs to beat the reigning Premiership champions 13-7 at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday.
Marcus Watson's converted try and two Jimmy Gopperth penalties were enough for Dai Young's side to inflict Exeter's third league defeat in succession.
Saracens had already deposed the Chiefs, beating Sale Sharks 13-3 away from home on Friday to claim top spot.
And Wasps' win saw them close the gap on the second-placed title-holders to four points, although it may have come at a cost, Alex Rieder having suffered a potentially serious knee injury in the second half.
The home team benefitted from some good fortune to open the scoring in the 14th minute in Coventry, the match officials failing to spot a knock-on from Guy Thompson during a scrum, allowing Watson to cross in the corner.
Danny Cipriani converted and Exeter's problems were compounded when Jonny Hill was shown a yellow card for a tip tackle on Willie le Roux during the build-up to the try.
A Gopperth three-pointer extended Wasps' lead early in the second half when the Chiefs were caught offside.
And there was a lengthy delay as replacement Rieder, who had only just returned to fitness from a dislocated shoulder, was taken from the field on a stretcher after appearing to hyperextend his knee.
Wasps then lost Ashley Johnson to the sin bin for a high tackle and Exeter pounced, Luke Cowan-Dickie powering over from a penalty on the five-metre line and Gareth Steenson adding the extras to make it 10-7.
Gopperth settled the hosts' nerves, though, kicking a penalty in the 77th minute to seal the victory after the Chiefs accidentally kicked the ball away in a ruck.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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