Wasps find buzz again in Europe

Rafael Ibanez believes his misfiring London Wasps players have proved they can be a force in the Heineken Cup this season following their impressive victory over Castres at Adams Park.

Wasps have managed only one win in the Guinness Premiership and looked vulnerable going into the best club cup competition in world rugby. However the twice winners of the trophy delivered a much-improved performance after being challenged to live up to their past deeds by their captain.

Ibanez said: "There was a big ask in the week for this game and I am really pleased with the reaction from all of the guys. In certain moments we were back to what we are very good at doing; creating havoc in defences.

"After this win we realise we are heading in the right direction. It's been a while since we have done that and it's great. Now we must prepare for a very tough trip to Leinster next Saturday."

Danny Cipriani, who kicked 10 points, completed his first full game since coming back from his ankle injury and joined team-mate Josh Lewsey for a very pointed on-field routine.

Lewsey scored a second-half try made by Cipriani's kick and chase and the pair then did a mock reprise of their midweek clash which had seen Lewsey floor his team-mate with a punch. This time Lewsey swung well over Cipriani's head as he theatrically ducked and the two embraced to the delight of the 8,800 crowd and probable bemusement of their French opponents.

It was designed to confirm there was no lingering ill feeling over the incident and both players looked sharp throughout a match Wasps had to win. Now they can head to Ireland believing they have the spirit and game plan to go deep into the Cup.

Ian McGeechan, the Wasps director of rugby, was delighted with the win and insisted that asking Lewsey to play at centre, rather than wing or full-back, would not harm his England chances. Under the existing England agreement, team manager Martin Johnson can drop a player from the 32-strong squad is he plays three games in a different position to the one he has been assigned in the squad.