Ian McGeechan praised the hard work of his Wasps side after they scored a ninth Guinness Premiership victory in 10 games at Leeds.
Dallaglio chasing final success
Ian McGeechan praised the hard work of his Wasps side after they scored a ninth Guinness Premiership victory in 10 games to win 45-28 at Leeds.
The bonus-point victory, coupled with Bath's defeat at Gloucester, means that Wasps have leapfrogged their play-off opponents into second place and secured a home berth for the tie.
The visitors ran in six tries against their already-relegated opponents, with Fraser Waters, Raphael Ibanez, replacement Joe Ward and a hat-trick from England wing Tom Voyce sealing the points.
And, after his last regular-season league match before retirement, the result leaves Lawrence Dallaglio on course to finish his illustrious career with a Twickenham Premiership winner's medal.
"It was a fantastic performance under the conditions," said McGeechan.
"To work as hard and as long as we did really reflects what has happened to us since October when we were 10th in the league.
"We have the smallest squad in this league and it has been a major effort to achieve what we have.
"The play-offs are played at a different level, you have to step up and we have just two more games ahead of us and there are four very big names represented.
"We've had a very punishing schedule towards the end of this season but I know we can go on further. Whoever wins will be the only English club to lift a trophy this season - so there's a lot to play for."
Wasps did not have it all their own way early on, as Alberto Di Bernardo slotted home three penalties and wing Tom Biggs scored a long range solo try for Leeds.
Never looked back
But three tries before the break - a double from Voyce and a touchdown from Waters - saw Wasps ahead and they never looked back.
Further second-half tries from Voyce, Ibanez and Ward were enough for Wasps, with Jonny Hepworth and Hendre Fourie replying for Leeds.
Dallaglio added: "The performance was irrelevant. We were a little bit rusty but this was all about the bonus-point win.
"To finish in the play-offs is a massive achievement after we gave so much to the World Cup and Shaun Edwards to the Six Nations.
"We've got a monumental semi-final ahead of us now - Bath is a good side, playing good rugby at present.
"My ambition is to win the trophy - it's what we're all about. Wasps belong in the play-offs."
Meanwhile, Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Stuart Lancaster, who will now head off to join the RFU, praised his side's efforts.
"It was an emotional day - it has been a great occasion," he said.
"Sadly we're relegated but I'm leaving a good set-up here behind.
"The spirit at this club is a great one - my advice to Leeds is to avoid complacency because the National League One is a tough one but we have the resources here to come back.
"This performance encapsulates our whole season - great endeavour, some excellent tries but the unforced error at crucial moments.
"Wasps had to win and win well but we kept coming back at them - they're a very good defensive side but we caused them problems. Our weakness is the consistency of decision making at crucial moments."
