Wasps have the fighting spirit

JAMES HASKELL was happy to see team-mates Danny Cipriani and Josh Lewsey clash in training this week because it means Wasps are coming to the boil nicely ahead of Sunday's game against Castres in Edinburgh's pool.

The two England internationalists came to blows on Tuesday after Lewsey had criticised Cipriani for missing tackles during a defensive training drill. Cipriani, 20, arrived at training yesterday with a cut just above his lip but director of rugby Ian McGeechan confirmed neither player will face disciplinary action. Haskell believes it was just the kind of fighting spirit Wasps need as they attempt to get their season back on track against Castres after losing five of their first six matches.

"Intensity is what has been lacking on the field," Haskell said.

"To get it back you have to start on the training field because if you can't do it there, then you won't do it in a match. I like it when there is an edge to training. That niggle is good for everyone."

Cipriani has become a regular target for the paparazzi since he started seeing model and television presenter Kelly Brook.