Wasps thrash Zebre 82-14 in European Champions Cup opener

Wasps 82 - 14 Zebre, Ricoh Arena
Scorecard

Wasps ran a 12-try riot as the Ricoh Arena outfit trounced Zebre by 82-14 in their European Champions Cup opener on Saturday.

Rob Miller (2' and 25'), Jake Cooper-Woolley (7'), Joe Simpson (13'), Frank Halai (27) and Ashley Johnson (39) crossed over in the first half with fly-half Danny Cipriani converting all five of it as Wasps raced to 42-14 in the first half which also secured them the bonus point.

The onslaught from Dai Young's men continued in the second half as Elliot Daly (41'), skipper Joe Launchbury (54'), wing Josh Bassett (58'), Simpson (62'), James Gaskell (68') and Dan Robson (71') all contributed with tries to take the tally to 12 overall.

Replacement fly-half Jimmy Gopperth, who is top form, added the extras for five of the tries to take Wasps to 82. In response, replacement Federico Ruzza added two tries for Zebre in the first half but the problems compounded for the Pro12 team when Carlo Festuccia was sin-binned in the 47th minute.

With no addition to their points from the first half, Zebre could manage only 14 points in response to Wasps' 82. England assistant coaches Steve Borthwick and Paul Gustard were present at Ricoh Arena as they witnessed another fine performance from the home side.

Wasps will take on Toulouse in the next round on 23rd October while Zebre will lock horns with Pro 12 champions Connacht.