Davies angry with 'totally unacceptable' performance

Gloucester director of rugby Nigel Davies has blasted his side's 'totally unacceptable' performance in the first half of their Amlin Challenge Cup defeat to Wasps.

An abject display enabled Wasps to race into a 23-3 half-time lead and despite a second-half rally, there was no way back into the game.

Wasps eventualy won 36-24 but even the improved second half performance did little to satisfy an unhappy Davies.

"We had to change it at half-time and freshen it up as we didn't turn up in the first 40 minutes," he said.

"The players were given an extra day off this week but we lacked consistency and I'm scratching my head in an attempt to explain our start.

"We lost the physical battle and stopped playing rugby by aimlessly kicking possession away.

"We have performed well in our last two league matches but this was a step backwards. We've made some big signings for next season but we are already addressing some of our problems."

His Wasps counterpart Dai Young was understandably delighted with his side's performance, which has set up a semi-final against Bath on 27th April.

"It's a good step up from where we've been over the last month and we seem to save our best for this competition," he said.

Matt Mullan, Carlo Festuccia and Will Helu crossed for Wasps and fly-half Andy Goode kicked 21 points.

Gloucester only came into the game with two tries during the time that Will Hughes was sin-binned.

"We showed real intent but that yellow card really hurt us," Young added.

"However I am really impressed as how we came back and pulled ourselves together.

"We didn't panic, took our chances and thoroughly deserved to win."

Looking ahead to the clash with Bath, Young expects a tough encounter.

"It's hugely important to us to do well in this competition," he added.

"It's a massive game but we are under no illusions as Bath tidied us up here last time."