Wasps denied by Robinson

Nicky Robinson came off the bench to kick Gloucester to a tense 22-20 victory over Wasps at Kingsolm.

Dropped following last week's tame loss to London Irish, fly-half Robinson made sure the hosts secured a much-needed win with two long range penalties in the closing stages.

The Wales international took over at number 10 from Tim Taylor who had slotted over 11 points in the first half, including the conversion following Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu's try.

Wasps, who crossed through Dan Ward-Smith and Joe Simpson, could have won the game had Dave Walder landed a last-gasp penalty attempt.

Mistakes

Gloucester will hope their second home triumph will kick-start their campaign, though in truth the contest was riddled with mistakes and the sound of referee Andrew Small's whistle.

Having been well beaten by the Exiles last time out Gloucester boss Bryan Redpath made six changes, including relegating Robinson, Mike Tindall and Alex Brown to the list of replacements.

It was Wasps, captained by former Cherry and White Phil Vickery, who took the lead thanks to a 45-metre penalty from Walder.

Taylor replied for the hosts to level matters before both teams were reduced to 14 men, Wasps' England prop Tim Payne and Gloucester number eight Brett Deacon being sent to the sin-bin after trading blows.

A second penalty from Taylor nudged Gloucester ahead - only for Wasps to score the opening try of the game shortly before half-time when Ward-Smith powered through.

Walder converted the back-rower's effort and at that stage it appeared the away side would go in at half time with a comfortable cushion.

Gloucester, though, had other ideas. Taylor knocked over his third penalty before also adding the conversion after Fuimaono-Sapolu charged through to reach the try-line.

Poor quarter

Robinson came on in place of Taylor at the interval but was unable to help his team add any further points in what was a poor third quarter.

Wasps eventually bought the game back to life with a breakaway try, Richard Haughton creating the opportunity for Simpson, the scrum-half finishing the move with a flourish.

Walder's conversion edged Wasps 17-16 in front, leaving Gloucester's 10-month unbeaten home league record in serious danger. However Robinson made sure their superb record would continue for a little while longer with two superb kicks from inside his own half.

His first effort was cancelled out by a Walder penalty but Wasps were unable to reply a second time when the former Cardiff Blue was on target again from far out.