Wasps 25 - 20 Exeter - Jimmy Gopperth Steals The Show

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Wasps kicked off their 2016-17 season with another great, close game with Exeter Chiefs with tries from Jimmy Gopperth, Dan Robson and Tommy Taylor with Goppther adding 15 points from the boot. 

It started so well for Exeter after just three minutes, number eight Thomas Waldrom finished off a strong catch and drive from the lineout to go over and score the first try of the game. With Henry Slade adding the conversion, the visitors were leading 7-0. 

Then Slade and Gopperth exchanged penalties to make it 10-3, and on 31 minutes Guy Thompson made a great break before Robson's long pass to Gopperth in acres of space and ran around the outside to beat four defenders to touchdown. Despite the inside centre missing the conversion they close the gap to 10-8. 

Just before half time, a quick one-two between Will Chudley and Sam Hill from the ruck set up Chudley to score in the corner and as Slade kicked the two extra points the Chiefs went to the half 17-8. 

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Half-Time - Wasps 8-17 Exeter

11 minutes after the break, Exeter extended their lead to 12 points when Slade added yet another penalty. 

This seemed to be the kick up the arse Wasps needed as within two minutes Robson scored under the posts. Quick hands from Danny Cipriani set up Christian Wade to sprint down the right flank to assist the scrum-half and when Gopperth kicked the conversion the hosts reduced the score to yet 20-15. 

Then with 15 minutes left, man of the match Taylor finished off and old-fashioned catch and drive to give the home side a slender two point lead thanks to the boot of the New Zealand centre. 

Exeter did have the chance to regain the lead on 71 minutes, however, Slade missed a crucial penalty and this gave Goppther the opportunity the chance to finish a superb performance scoring a late penalty to give Wasps another close victory. 

Full-Time - Wasps 25-20 Exeter

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