Charlie Atkinson, Brad Shields and Burger Odendaal seemed to put Wasps in an unassailable position at the interval, but Gloucester fought back; Sale managed to hang on after a late fightback from Northampton to take get their campaign off to a winning start
Sunday 11 September 2022 19:09, UK
Gloucester produced a spectacular second-half comeback to launch their Gallagher Premiership campaign with a 27-21 win over Wasps at Kingsholm on Sunday.
After missing out on a place in the play-offs last season by two points, the home side looked way off that form as Wasps surged 21 points clear before the break.
Tries from fly-half Charlie Atkinson, back row Brad Shields and centre Burger Odendall and three conversions from Atkinson put Wasps in the driving seat.
But Gloucester, inspired by Louis Rees-Zammit, looked a different team after the interval, with the Welshman running from deep inside his side's own 22 to score before scrum-half Charlie Chapman added a second try within two minutes during the third quarter.
Adam Hastings added a conversion and penalty, before Gloucester were awarded a penalty try with just over 12 minutes remaining.
Wasps were reduced to 13 players, with Gloucester taking advantage, and lock Freddie Clarke completed a stirring response by crashing over from close range and securing a bonus point in the process.
Sale fended off a late fightback from Northampton to begin their season with a 29-22 victory.
Sale scored the only try in a well-contested opening period, but Saints were blown away by three quick-fire scores midway through the second half to trail 29-3.
Phil Dowson's men hit back through two tries from Tom Collins and an Ollie Sleightholme score, but Sale held on for the win.
Both matches paid their respects to Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday, with poignant moments of silence followed by renditions of God Save the King.
