Masi’s late show puts Wasps on brink of last eight

Andrea Masi scored a late try to ensure London Wasps moved a step closer to the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Last night’s 30-16 win puts Wasps five points clear of Bayonne with only matches against Rugby Mogliano and Newport-Gwent Dragons to come next month. A bonus-point win over Italian side Mogliano, who have lost all their Cup games, would secure a last-eight place.

Wasps raced into a 17-0 lead after 39 minutes but Bayonne bounced back to leave the hosts with a slender 20-16 advantage.

The home side’s cause was not helped by the sin-binning of Billy Vunipola for a reckless tackle but then James Haskell pounced on a loose line-out throw, made ground and the ball arrived in the hands of Italy centre Masi (above).

The man of the match powered to the line and replacement No10 Nicky Robinson converted before adding a late penalty. Wasps’ earlier points came from a try and a long-range penalty by centre Elliot Daly and four penalties from fly-half Stephen Jones.

Meanwhile, London Welsh have moved up to second in their Amlin pool after Grenoble were found guilty of using an ineligible player against the Exiles. As a result, Welsh have been given a 28-0 win worth five points.