Leinster coach Michael Cheika emerged from Twickenham last night relieved his side managed to keep their destiny in their own hands ahead of next weekend’s final Pool Two clash against Edinburgh. A losing bonus point secured against Wasps keeps Leinster at the top of the standings.
Wasps, who won both their Heineken Cup titles at Twickenham, beat Leinster 19-12 in front of a 33,000 crowd to move level with the Dubliners on 16 points at the top of Pool Two.
But Leinster retain the advantage in the quarter-final race due to their superior head-to-head record, having beaten Wasps 41-11 at the RDS earlier in the campaign.
Wasps had held a 16-6 advantage, secured on the back of a solid forward platform and an electric performance from Josh Lewsey, when Leinster called uncontested scrums.
Props CJ van der Linde and Stan Wright both passed late fitness tests but neither lasted until half-time — and with them went Wasps’ attacking platform.
Having opened that cushion with a Serge Betsen try and 11 points from Danny Cipriani, Wasps only managed a late penalty as Leinster fought back.
“We got hit early but we stayed on our feet and we got back into it,” said Cheika.
“We missed opportunities in the second half which probably cost us. We missed a goal which would have made it 16-15 and Rob Kearney’s break, you have to take those opportunities.
“Conversely down the other end we made a game saving play when Josh Lewey made a break. I am disappointed we lost the game but we are still in charge of our own destiny although if we want to be sure of ourselves we need a bonus point next week.”
Cheika must now wait to learn if props van der Linde and Wright will be available for the RDS after both were forced out before the interval at Twickenham.
Cheika explained: “CJ has injured his foot again. He came good yesterday and we decided to start him. It is Stan Wright’s neck.
“We had doubts up to yesterday but we made certain decisions. They obviously didn’t all work out because CJ reinjured his foot almost immediately.”
Leinster also lost Leo Cullen with a recurrence of the shoulder problem suffered in the first match against Wasps.
Ian McGeechan was frustrated by the uncontested scrums and believes there is merit in the idea that teams must have additional front row cover on the bench.
“I think there is a strong argument now for having two props or a full front row on the bench,” he added. “It maybe favours the stronger clubs and the stronger countries because you will have squads of 23, but it is one answer.”
Betsen and Leinster lock Malcolm O’Kelly could both face citings after being sin-binned.
Wasps’ former France flanker tripped Felipe Contepomi while O’Kelly was dispatched for an apparent stamp on Phil Vickery’s head.
