Reddan: we’re threading a familiar path

WASPS have teetered on this very precipice before.

Two years ago, they faced a round six trip to Castres knowing a win was required to take first place in their group. They did just that and went on to win the cup itself four months later.

“It was a close game, we won by two points,” recalled scrum-half Eoin Reddan. “We weren’t playing very well at that time and I don’t think anyone even thought we would end up with a home quarter-final, but we did, the year we played Leinster.”

The issue is more complicated this time. Another win in Castres could prove futile if Leinster match their result against Edinburgh and other results squeeze them.

“Obviously I’d like if Edinburgh won but that’s going to be a tough ask. Leinster are very good at home … We just have to get on with it. Hopefully we’ll do the job down in France.”

Phil Vickery was more bullish about the Scots’ chances of causing an upset but Reddan’s is the more realistic view, considering Leinster have lost just once at home since October 2007.

Two runners-up from pools two, three and five will now go through along with the six winners, but Wasps only added to their workload when they opted against attempting a try towards the end on Saturday, one that would have deprived Leinster of the bonus point that now keeps them top.