Dallaglio to go through pain barrier

Lawrence Dallaglio is determined to shrug off the pain of a 'popped' rib cartilage and lead London Wasps to more European success this Saturday.

Dallaglio was forced to come off the field seven minutes after scoring the third of four Wasps tries in their 35-22 Parker Pen Challenge Cup quarter-final first leg win over Stade Francais at Adams Park yesterday.

But, following his 70th minute exit, Wasps' captain said: "The cartilage popped a bit when I was driven over for my try, and about eight people fell on top of me. It is a bit painful, but coming off was a precaution and I'm sure it will ease off during the week.

"I want to be fully involved in the second leg in Paris on Saturday evening. Winning this first leg by 13 points has given us a bit of a cushion, but Stade Francais are a fine team and it will be a huge game on their turf."

Dallaglio, whose performance will have impressed watching England manager Clive Woodward, knows his club's season could depend on the outcome of Saturday's return.

After their Powergen Cup defeat by Bath, only a tough-looking mission to finish in the top three of the Zurich Premiership would be left for Wasps if they fail to progress in this competition. That is why Dallaglio is so desperate to defy the pain and play in Paris.