European Cup Round-up: Dominic Waldouck helped Wasps cruise to a record-equalling 55-0 win over Treviso yesterday to put them back in the hunt for a place in the knock-out stages of the Heineken European Cup.
The England under-19 star made his competition debut in midfield and created four of the nine tries as Josh Lewsey, Tom Voyce and Tom Rees all touched down twice. Raphael Ibanez, Paul Sackey and Danny Cipriani also went over and Mark van Gisbergen added five conversions.
The try tally equalled the 2004 champions' previous best - in the 77-17 win over Toulouse in 1997 - and sent them to the top of Pool One following Castres' 36-28 win at Perpignan on Saturday.
Wasps go to Treviso on Saturday needing another five-point haul.
"I'm delighted we did the simple things well and scored 55 points," said their director of rugby, Ian McGeechan.
"We could have got very loose but we didn't and that's to the credit of everyone. We hung on to the ball well and still played with width. We were unselfish and didn't try to force it.
"We knew we'd have to be very professional because their pack has played some pretty good rugby this season. At home they'll be a proud side. But good teams have to be able to repeat what they do and we'll be looking to that next week."
Treviso coach Craig Green admitted his side were short of quality following the mass exodus of Italian stars who have joined French clubs this year.
But he could have a wildcard reinforcement next week in Will Johnson. The former Leicester backrow forward is holding talks with Treviso after a brief spell in National League One with Coventry.
"If all goes well he could be on the field next week," said Green.
A late interception try by Julien Saubade gave Stade Français a bonus point in their 27-16 victory over the English champions, Sale, yesterday.
In front of a pool-stage record crowd of 45,000 at the Parc des Princes, Stade were facing a nervous finale after Sebastien Chabal's interception score took Sale within four points with 10 minutes remaining.
But Saubade matched him and raced away for his second and Stade's all-important fourth try, which takes them top of Pool Three on 14 points after their third successive win.
The Neath-Swansea Ospreys are second, on nine points, after their 50-27 win at Calvisano on Saturday. Sale are now up against it on six points.
Stade were impressive in the first half, Christophe Dominici showing terrific finishing footwork to claim two tries and Saubade also scoring.
Sale, hard-hit by injuries, fought back well after the break but will be frustrated not only by the defeat but by the loss of a bonus point as a result of Stade's late try.
"It was a great match from us. We tried to run the ball as much as possible and it worked," Saubade told French television. "I think we earned that bonus point.
"We really enjoyed ourselves in this fantastic stadium but now we have to play them away and it will be tough. They're a strong team and certainly not one you can afford to take lightly."
On Saturday, three-times champions Toulouse lost 20-19 at Llanelli, their second defeat from their opening three games in Pool Five.
Llanelli have 13 points to the six of Toulouse. London Irish also have six after beating Ulster (five points) 29-13.
Biarritz, one of the tournament favourites, thumped Border Reivers 25-0 away to take control of Pool Six.
