Charles Piutau scored a last-minute try as Wasps beat Exeter 25-24 in their European Champions Cup quarter-final at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday.

Exeter led 14-6 at the break, but were unable to curb the hosts’ second-half fightback.

Flyhalf Jimmy Gopperth slotted two penalties before a converted try by Exeter No 8 Thomas Waldrom put the visitors in front. Waldrom then scored a second to give the Chiefs an eight-point lead at half-time.

Wasps struck first in the second half through Piutau, but replacement prop Harry Williams scored a converted try give Exeter a 10-point lead.

Winger Frank Halai scored the hosts’ second try to reduce the deficit to six points after Exeter flyhalf Gareth Steenson had kicked a penalty goal.

Piutau then crossed for the winning score after the hooter and Gopperth converted from the touchline to steal the win.

Wasps – Tries: Charles Piutau (2), Frank Halai. Conversions: Jimmy Gopperth (2). Penalties: Gopperth (2).
Exeter Chiefs – Tries: Thomas Waldrom (2), Harry Williams. Conversions: Gareth Steenson (3). Penalty: Steenson.

Wasps – 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Christian Wade, 13 Elliot Daly, 12 Siale Piutau, 11 Frank Halai, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Dan Robson, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 George Smith, 6 James Haskell (c), 5 Kearnan Myall, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 Jake Cooper-Woolley, 2 Carlo Festuccia, 1 Matt Mullan.
Subs: 16 Ashley Johnson, 17 Simon McIntyre, 18 Lorenzo Cittadini, 19 Bradley Davies, 20 Thomas Young, 21 Joe Simpson, 22 Ruaridh Jackson, 23 Rob Miller.

Exeter – 15 Lachie Turner, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ian Whitten, 11 Olly Woodburn, 10 Gareth Steenson (c), 9 Will Chudley, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Julian Salvi, 6 Don Armand, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Mitch Lees, 3 Moray Low, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ben Moon. Subs: 16 Jack Yeandle, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Harry Williams, 19 Damian Welch, 20 Dave Ewers, 21 Dave Lewis, 22 Michele Ampagnaro, 23 James Short.

Photo: Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images