Wasps throw away 25-point lead over Cardiff Blues in LV Cup

Wasps’ defence coach, Brad Davis, described his side’s second-half effort as embarrassing after watching them blow a 25-point lead in the LV Cup against Cardiff. They held a 42‑17 lead but conceded four tries after the interval to allow the Blues to snatch a 45‑42 victory in the last minute through a try by Miles Normandale.

“With ball in hand we were excellent but 45 points conceded tells the story; our defence wasn’t at the races and if you are not prepared to tackle, it’s going to tell against you in the end,” Davis said. Wasps had taken off two of their better performers in Guy Thompson and Charlie Davies when they led 42-17, surrendering the momentum to a resurgent Blues. “There was a swing in fortune when we took off some of our more senior players but you’d think a lead of that nature would certainly be sufficient,” Davis added. “It’s very disappointing to lose our unbeaten record at the Ricoh when there is a phenomenal crowd of nine or so thousand present, especially when you are in a commanding position and then serve up a second-half performance of that nature.”

Wasps had built up their lead by scoring six tries through Thomas Young (2), Will Helu, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Thompson and a penalty-try, with the impressive Alex Lozowski converting all six. Blues scored six tries of their own from Normandale (2), Macauley Cook, Lewis Jones, Lucas Amorosino and Seb Davies, with Rhys Patchell adding six conversions and a penalty.

Blues’ assistant coach Andy Kyriacou was disappointed with his team’s efforts in the first half but thrilled by their comeback.

“We were lazy in the first half as we were too slow getting to our feet,” he said. “The boys were disappointed with themselves in the changing rooms at the interval.

“We showed how we could get in behind them in the second half and some of the young guys who came off the bench made a massive impact.”

Blues face Leicester on Saturday in the final Pool 2 fixture and a win would see them progress to the semi-finals.

“Unfortunately we’ll lose some of the young guns to the Welsh Under-20s squad but we may have a few back from injury including Lou Reed,” Kyriacou added.