Wasps pushed Bristol to the brink of Guinness Premiership relegation but failed to convince that their Heineken Cup qualification ambitions will be realised with a haphazard display in their 21-19 victory at Adams Park.
The form book appeared to offer a clear indication - Wasps last tasted defeat at Adams Park in November, while Bristol have not won away in the Premiership all season.
But Bristol, who will now have their relegation confirmed if they lose at home to Worcester next week, did not play at all like a team without hope.
Wasps started with intent, camped on the Bristol line for five of the first eight minutes, but eventually had to settle for a Danny Cipriani penalty to open the scoring after valiant Bristol defence.
A piece of David Lemi magic produced the first try in the 22nd minute for the visitors. The diminutive Samoan speedster combined with former England scrum-half Shaun Perry to outflank Wasps on the blindside and scoot unchallenged to the line from 25 metres out. Ed Barnes missed the conversion and shortly afterwards Cipriani restored Wasps' lead with his second penalty.
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Wasps fail to dazzle
Wasps fail to dazzle
