Alan Gaffney. Picture: Action Images

Saracens boss Alan Gaffney has branded his team's first half display against Wasps as the 'most embarrassing' 40 minutes he has ever witnessed in rugby.

The director of rugby was scathing in his assessment as Sarries were torn apart by the visitors, who took a 12-35 lead into the interval.

"3pm until 3.45pm didn't exist in my world," quipped the Aussie. "The first 40 minutes was the most embarrassing I've been involved in in rugby. They players were equally embarrassed when they came in at half time.

"We had a reasonable heart to heart and to give them their due they stood up in the second half. They went out and played and I was happy about that."

Gaffney said his team can ill-afford to ship any more 'soft' tries in their Heineken Cup semi final against Munster next week and hinted several players will be axed for that clash after this defeat.

"Tries one, two, four and six today were just gimmes for Wasps," he added. "They didn't really have to work hard to do anything while we had to work hard for our five tries.

"If we go through this exercise again Munster are the side that punish teams more than anyone else."

Gaffney also said he would be questioning the players on whether next weekend's clash had a bearing on their individual displays today.

"People have asked me whether the players had next week's game on their minds and I would hope that is not the case. Subconsciously, whether it is or is not I would like to know the answer."

Gaffney admitted he faces tough decisions on selecting his team for next weekend but is hopeful of including Kevin Sorrell after the centre limped off with a minor ankle strain.

Prop Cencus Johnston, however, is a more serious doubt after one of his ankles was stood on during the early stages of the match.

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan said: "We gave Saracens the first seven points but after that it was a great position to get into by half time.

"To be fair Saracens came back at us and everyone here today will go away having seen a decent game of rugby."

5:43pm Sunday 20th April 2008

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