Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has admitted that a "passive" first-half performance cost his side in their defeat to Wasps.
The Chiefs missed the chance to move into the Aviva Premiership playoff places on Sunday as they were beaten 36-29 at the Ricoh Arena.
A disappointing opening 40 minutes saw the visitors 16-26 down, and they were unable to claw back the deficit despite an improved display in the second period.
"It was a big game for us, but we were a passive and edgy team in the first half," Baxter told BBC Sport. "I am happy with the second-half effort and if we had showed the same quality in the first half, then it may have been a different story.
"Games get bigger and bigger at this time of the season and I am frustrated when we don't show the qualities which we have got, as the game had nearly got away from us by half time."
Exeter continue their league campaign on May 10 when they host Saracens.
