BEN Jacobs made his first start at full back on Sunday and, like Dan Ward-Smith filling in at lock, was a spectacular Wasps success.

Head coach Shaun Edwards said: “The unsung hero against Gloucester was Ben Jacobs.

“It’s the first time he’s played full back and he was absolutely faultless.

“When he was under pressure his kicking was fantastic, his taking of the high ball, his positional play was just perfect.

“He’s been a great signing for us.”

Director of rugby Tony Hanks admitted that he might have been targeted by Gloucester, but said if they did their plan backfired.

He said: “Gloucester probably identified Ben Jacobs as an opportunity, but he was there all the time.

“He looked quite at home in his first run at full back. He just plays anywhere.”

Jacobs’ peformance was matched by hat-trick scoring Tom Varndell and Paul Sackey, as the Wasps back three sparkled.

Hanks said: “You don’t need to give Tom too much of a sniff and he’s a try-scorer, but it’s the other parts of his game that we’re pleased with.

“He took an incredible high ball take above his head, that was Aussie Rules stuff, and his whole game is improving.

“I was also really pleased with Paul Sackey. He was back to his best and played a key roll in nullyfing one of their big threats in Lesley Vainikolo, especially after such a late call.”