Wasps coach praises Rees

Ian McGeechan praised Tom Rees after his man-of-the-match display.

Rees scored twice in the first half and was a huge influence until his match was cut short by injury early in the second half. Wasps director McGeechan said:

"We're keeping our fingers crossed it's not a fracture. He's gone to hospital for x-rays. It might just be the join but you worry when you see the ankle twist like that.

"It was a big loss for us because he's had two very big games. He's playing very well. He's certainly a player who has come forward a step from last year. Him and Joe Worsley were the outstanding back row players today.

"I've been having chats with Andy Robinson about various players and I told him Tom isn't far away. We don't want him picking up injuries up because to get international selection you need to be playing consistently.

"You have to be seen and for that to happen you must stay injury free. I like what I see with Tom. He's a clever player and reads the game well. He gets into very good positions - much like Richard Hill."

Both coaches came away in positive mood from the Causeway stadium encounter, as heavy rain made expansive rugby difficult as the game wore on.

And Tigers coach Pat Howard revealed: "We wanted to win but I'm happy we fought back when we went behind. We took our opportunities and kept our composure. We're OK with the result.

"There's plenty to work on but it was a difficult game to handle. There were plenty of mistakes and it was not the sort of weather either team expected when we started the day. Blokes were slipping all over the place."