Gatland faces up to early exit

'We have got to get a result in Biarritz'

Wasps coach Warren Gatland faced up to his team's probable early Heineken Cup exit following back-to-back defeat to Leicester Tigers.

The Tigers followed up their epic 37-31 victory away to Wasps last weekend by defeating them 35-27 in the Welford Road return on Sunday, leaving the reigning European champions unlikely to progress from the pool stage in defence of their title.

It leaves Leicester in pole position to reach the quarter-finals - a target they will achieve if they beat remaining group opponents Biarritz and Calvisano in the new year.

Wasps, who could in theory still progress as one of two best runners-up, are now relying on other results to work for them even if they beat Calvisano and Biarritz away next month.

Wasps were once again given a mountain to climb following a blistering opening 20 minutes by their opponents.

"We weren't good enough in those first 20 minutes," said Gatland.

"We just weren't strong enough, and that has happened two weeks in a row.

"We showed that we have got a lot of character by fighting back in the way we did, but Leicester thoroughly deserved their win.

"We are relying on other teams now. We have got to get a result in Biarritz."

Although Wasps matched Leicester 3-3 on tries, they were once again undone by the goal-kicking of Tigers fly-half Andy Goode.

Goode, who kicked 22 points in High Wycombe last Sunday, booted another 20 from six penalties and a conversion as Leicester raised expectations among their fanatical supporters that a third European title is within their grasp.

"When you are 19 points down in 15 minutes you are playing catch-up rugby - and that is very difficult, especially away from home," said Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio.

"They had too many points on the board - and while we have played in two great games against Leicester, that is no consolation for us.

"We can't continue to give ourselves a mountain to climb in these games, even though we finished strongly on both occasions."

Leicester's next Pool One game is against Biarritz at home in four weeks' time, and coach John Wells expressed his satisfaction that his team can now control their quarter-final fate.

"We had to come up with the goods today, and it was a massive effort," he said.

"It is in our hands now - which is the main thing - and we know that if we win our next two games we can go through to the quarter-finals.

"But today, like last weekend, we could never get away from Wasps; we could never relax and get into any stride.

"Andy Goode has probably done more than anyone during the last two weeks to ensure we finished on the correct side of the score, but it was a massive team effort.

"Biarritz, if they turn up, are as dangerous as any team we will play against at Welford Road - including Wasps. We have got a lot of respect for Biarritz - but we will deal with them after Christmas."