Wasps forwards overcome Gloucester

Wasps' forward pack played a key role as they booked their place in the semi-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup with a 36-24 win over Gloucester.

Wasps will play Bath at home on 27th April after Nathan Hughes and James Haskell stood out during an impressive performance.

Hughes set up the first try for Matt Mullan, Carlo Festuccia drove over for a second, and a third try came late on for WIll Helu.

All three tries were converted by Andy Goode, who also kicked a drop goal and four penalties to score 21 points in all.

Wasps were 23-3 up early in the second half but losing Hughes to the sin-bin for 10 minutes allowed Gloucester back into the match.

They scored two converted tries in quick succession before Hughes returned to see Wasps home.

While the Wasps forwards enjoyed a strong day, Gloucester's England number eight Ben Morgan was ineffective, as were fellow internationals Jonny May, Freddie Burns and Billy Twelvetrees.

Gloucester's second-half charge brought tries from May, Gareth Evans and Martyn Thomas, with Rob Cook converting all three and adding a penalty before Gloucester fell short.

Wasps recalled England forwards Matt Mullan and Joe Launchbury while Gloucester made three changes following last week's win over Exeter and were forced into another late change when Mike Tindall suffered a calf injury in the warm-up, meaning Burns came off the bench to start with Twelvetrees moved into the midfield.

Burns made an early mistake that gave Wasps an early chance but Joe Simpson failed to grab the ball with the try-line at his mercy.

Wasps did take the lead when Goode landed a drop goal and he should have doubled their lead but missed a straightforward penalty.

Wasps' domination continued and they were rewarded with the game's first try. Number eight Hughes made two powerful runs enabling Mullan to go over from close range. Goode converted before Gloucester full-back Cook added a penalty.

Goode restored the 10-point advantage with his first penalty before Cook missed a chance, leaving Gloucester trailing 13-3 at the interval.

Wasps continued to make most of the running after the break and scored the first points of the half when Festuccia burrowed over and was awarded the try after the television match official deliberated over the decision for two minutes.

Goode converted and added a penalty to give Wasps a seemingly unassailable advantage.

Morgan was replaced by Evans and Hughes was yellow-carded which gave Gloucester the chance to get back into the game. A long pass from Burns gave May an easy run-in for the try which Cook converted to take the score to 23-10.

And with Hughes still off the field, Gloucester scored again through Evans and a fine touchline conversion from Cook left Wasps leading by just six points.

Hughes returned and helped Wasps regain the ascendency with two further penalties from Goode and a late try from Helu putting the game beyond the visitors.

Replacement Thomas crossed for Gloucester as they had the final say with the final play of the game, although it was little more than a consolation.