Jacob Umaga turns Premiership final on it’s head with moment of brilliance to give Wasps crucial lead
22-year-old Jacob Umaga was the star of the first half in today’s Gallagher Premiership final as Exeter took a narrow lead into half time.
In torrential rain the two sides fought out an attritional first forty minutes of rugby where kicking was the order of the day in challenging conditions.
This moment of brilliance was the difference before the break.
After Wasps took an early lead through the boot of Jimmy Gopperth it was England centre, Henry Slade, who opened the try scoring for the night as he cut open the scrambling opposition defence.
A touch of absolute class by Henry Slade 🔥
He spots the gap and pounces to give @ExeterChiefs the first try of the #GallagherPremFinal! pic.twitter.com/c9ljS6M3pc
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 24, 2020
Exeter would normally look to pull away in this situation – looking to a formidable pick and go game to grind down their opposition. With the horrendous conditions, the European Champions elected to play it safer as fly-half, Joe Simmonds, looked to kick at any opportunity.
It was the other fly-half, Jacob Umaga who took the moment of the half as he cut through the Chiefs with a piercing line before skipping away from the chasing defenders.
Watch the brilliant first half try below
He’s had an absolutely brilliant season and now Jacob Umaga has a try in the #GallagherPremFinal 🙌
What a finish! What a score for @WaspsRugby! pic.twitter.com/jOfxkPs8Xh
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) October 24, 2020
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Ospreys issue statement confirming Scott Otten removed from squad
The Ospreys have been forced to remove Scott Otten from their clash with Glasgow Warriors. Hooker Scott Otten was withdrawn as he was identified as coming into close contact with a positive case of coronavirus.
A statement reads: “The Ospreys can confirm that Scott Otten has been withdrawn from the squad to face Glasgow Warriors at the Liberty Stadium.
Scott has been identified as a close contact with a COVID-19 positive case outside of the Ospreys training environment of St Helen’s.
“He is currently self-isolating in keeping with the Public Health Wales COVID guidelines.
“The Ospreys continue to operate strict testing and infection control measures and adhere to all current Public Health Wales COVID advice and guidelines to safeguard the health and best interests of all the Ospreys squad and staff, and to help protect the professional game.
“The Welsh Rugby Union and the Glasgow Warriors have been notified of the situation, as per the normal protocols regarding the health and safety guidelines around Coronavirus.”
