Wasps' director of rugby Tony Hanks has paid tribute to his side's defence following Sunday's 24-12 victory over Exeter.
Boss pleased with defensive show after Exeter dominate second half
Director of rugby Tony Hanks has paid tribute to his side's defence after their 24-12 victory over Exeter gave Wasps a fourth straight Premiership win.
The Londoners claimed the only tries of the clash, courtesy of prop Ben Broster and wing David Lemi, while fly-half Dave Walder added four penalties and a conversion.
But, after Exeter dominated possession and territory in the second half Hanks remains convinced it was Wasps' defensive game that set the hosts apart at Adams Park.
"For the second week in a row it was a splendid defensive effort," said Hanks. "We have got back to the standards that we expect.
"At half-time we commented that we hadn't defended much but we were conscious that we had to be ready.
Over-anxious
"I was disappointed that we didn't have more possession in the second half but we did score two good tries.
"We gave away a couple of soft penalties as we were over-anxious by coming in to the rucks from the sides."
"Following the Northampton defeat we stripped everything down and we have worked hard to put things right," he added, referring to their last Premiership defeat in which they were soundly beaten 37-10 by Saints.
"It's difficult when we have got a number of injuries and I have to mention Simon Shaw and Joe Worsley who have done it all to keep up their standards every week."
Opposite number Rob Baxter said Exeter had been unfortunate to not pick up even a losing bonus point from the match.
Errors
"We worked very hard today and ultimately we should have got something out of the game," he said.
"It is a very tough place to come but, with the amount of possession and territory we had in the second half, we should have rammed home a try and come away with at least a losing bonus point.
"Up until the final moments of the game we were still playing for something.
"The long and short of it is that we were under pressure in the first half and made too many uncharacteristic errors.
"We spilled a number of restarts but we are learning all the time."
