Irish Chief Seeks Report System

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London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith believes rugby union is "behind the times" and has urged them to adopt the report system of their rival code.

In rugby league a referee can put an incident 'on report' if he is not 100% certain of the gravity of an offence.

Smith saw his forward Chris Hala'ufia sent off on Saturday after 10 minutes - a decision he believes was wrong.

"I just think we could learn a lot from rugby league," Smith told BBC Radio Berkshire.

Irish were beaten 15-9 by London Welsh at the weekend.

They were forced to play 70 minutes with 14 men after Hala'ufia was sent off for a dangerous tip tackle on Seb Jewell.

"We disagree with the referee's calls, but that's footie," said Smith.

"For me it was a perfect tackle. There was nothing Chris could have done about it and we think it is perfectly executed tackle."

The sending off hindered Irish - who also had Matt Carvey yellow carded - but Smith says they should not have been handicapped for a tackle he believes was open to interpretation.

"In rugby league if there is a tackle that there is some concern about they just put the incident on report," added Smith.

"And then they look at it in the cold light of day and they make an accurate decision.

"You don't often get 12 guys playing against 13 in rugby league unless it's a very obvious red card.

"This just illustrates how behind the times we are in terms of the laws of the game."

Smith added: "If that tackle was put on report, Chris probably gets a commendation for tackle of the season. But that's not the case and we've paid the price.

"I think it makes common sense to bring in something like the report system. It works perfectly well in the other code and we shouldn't be too proud to look at it. "

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Exiles Wreck Northampton Plans

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Premiership leaders Northampton's winning start to the season was wrecked by struggling London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.

First-half tries by Jonathan Joseph and David Paice helped give Irish an 18-0 interval lead as they bounced back from last weekend's thumping at Worcester.

Topsy Ojo and Jamie Gibson added two more after the break to lead 33-3.

Ken Pisi and Phil Dowson crossed in a late rally by Saints, but it was not enough to prevent Irish's second win.

Steve Shingler's boot provided 16 points for the home side, Ian Humphreys having chipped in with a drop goal just before the break.

Stephen Myler kicked both his conversion attempts and a penalty for Northampton, who stay top as a result of Harlequins' defeat at Exeter.

There was nothing on the cards to indicate an Irish victory, let alone a performance like this, from a side languishing 11th in the Premiership, the Exiles having conceded an average of 36 points in the five games prior to this one.

But the only unbeaten record in the Premiership was wrecked as the Irish back division shone, none brighter than England centre Joseph, who made his Test debut on the summer tour of South Africa.

Joseph inspired the biggest upset of the Premiership season to date, touching down for the opening try, as well as playing a key role in Paice and Ojo's tries.

The first 24 minutes were pointless until Irish snaffled an overthrown Northampton line-out and moved the ball wide for Joseph to stab a grubber kick through for Marlande Yarde to kick on.

Vasily Artemyev, Northampton's stand-in full-back, failed to cover the bouncing ball and the youngster followed up for his second try of the season.

Full-back Shingler then extended the Exiles' lead with a penalty before Joseph hit the line at blistering pace inside the Northampton 22. And, two phases later, Paice twisted over the line to score, Shingler this time converting.

Humphreys' 40-metre drop-goal handed London Irish an 18-0 lead at half-time, before Northampton finally responded after the restart with a penalty from Myler.

But Irish then hit Northampton with a brilliant third try, Joseph beating Myler for pace and then drawing two defenders before slipping a delightful pass to Ojo, who was tackled by Pisi but had the momentum to roll over the line and score.

Shingler edged the Exiles further ahead before Shingler swung a long pass to Treviranus, who held off two defenders and sent Gibson racing away for the fourth try.

Northampton, to their credit, kept plugging away with scrum-half Lee Dickson particularly lively, working a try for Pisi in the right corner before Dowson burrowed over a second Northampton try.

But Shingler added two more late penalties as Irish rounded off their best performance of the season to climb a place to 10th.

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Joe Ansbro Suffers Broken Neck

London Irish have confirmed Scotland international Joe Ansbro has broken a bone in his neck.

The centre suffered the injury in Friday's pre-season clash with Munster - with Ansbro having remained in University Hospital, Cork, to receive treatment.

However the initial assessment has been promising and the 26-year-old could be back playing in three months.

A statement from London Irish read: "Joe broke a small bone at the top of his neck early in the game's second half. After An MRI scan, it was confirmed that immediate surgery was not required, and the injury would be managed by external fixation.

"He is in the care of the club's and hospitals medical team and is expected to return to the UK later this week."

Scotland have remained in contact with the Exiles and they are confident Ansbro will be back playing soon.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: "The management of the injury Joe has sustained typically involves a period of between six-eight weeks immobilisation then a further four-six weeks of rehabilitation before he can look at a return to the game. We wish Joe well in his recovery."

Edwards Double Jobs with London Irish

Shaun Edwards, defence coach for the Wales national team, will replace Toby Booth at the Exiles, but will continue his work with the Six Nations champions.

Ian Humphreys Chooses Exile

Sa Leaves Dragons for Exiles

London Irish have announced the signing of Setaimata Sa from Super League club Catalan Dragons on a three-year deal.

Geraghty Back to London Irish

Shane Geraghty London Irish will re-sign their former fly-half Shane Geraghty, BBC reports.

Geraghty, a product of the Exiles' academy, left the club for Northampton amid some acrimony in 2009.

The 25-year-old spent two seasons at Franklin's Gardens before moving to France to play for Brive.

Geraghty has six caps for England, the last of those coming in November 2009, and his return will be viewed with some surprise by Exiles supporters.

The club and head coach Toby Booth were known to be unhappy with his decision to leave in 2009 and previous suggestions that Geraghty might return were immediately dismissed.

"In London Irish's old clubhouse, in Sunbury, portraits of some of the club's great players hang," explains BBC Radio Berkshire rugby correspondent Graham McKechnie.

"When Shane Geraghty left London Irish in 2009, his picture was symbolically removed from the wall, such was the depth of feeling about his departure."

However, Brian Smith's return to the club as director of rugby after he left the England set-up has made the move possible.

Geraghty, is expected to replace Dan Bowden, who is set to join Leicester Tigers in the summer.

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Armitage Joins Toulon Brothers

England full-back Delon Armitage is set to be reunited with his brothers Steffon and Guy next season after agreeing a deal with Toulon.

Armitage has made 165 appearances for the Exiles since making his debut in 2003, however he has now signed a two-year deal with the Top 14 outfit.

The 28-year-old has long been rumoured to be set to join the likes of Jonny Wilkinson and Simon Shaw at the French side - with Armitage having fallen behind Ben Foden and Mike Brown in the England set-up.

It is the second time Armitage has played in France, with both Steffon and himself having starred for Nice before moving to London Irish.

And Armitage is looking forward to the move, telling the club's official site: "I would like to thank everyone involved at London Irish, in particular Toby Booth, who I have worked closely with during my time at Sunbury.

"My partner Jemma, our children and I, have thoroughly enjoyed the environment at the club and will go away with some fantastic memories.

Priority

"I feel it's the right time for me to move on at this stage in my rugby career. Irish has been a huge part of my life and it's been a real honour to be a part of. I would also like to thank the supporters and team mates that I have got to know over the last decade.

"I am looking forward to joining Steffon and Guy at Toulon but my immediate priority is ensuring that London Irish finish the season on a high with two victories."

Exiles head coach Toby Booth praised Armitage for all his efforts at the club.

"Delon is one of many players who has committed over 10 years' service to this club," he said.

"I wish him and his family the best in the future and thank him for his considerable involvement in London Irish's success in recent times.

"We are sad to see him leave but wish him the very best of luck at Toulon. Personally I hope he regains the form to see him return to international status in the future."

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Chiefs Get Better of London Irish

Exeter Chiefs ran in a try in each half, Gonzalo Camacho getting his first for the club, to see off London Irish.

James Hanks went over for the Heineken Cup spot-chasing Chiefs to give the hosts a 10-point lead at half-time.

Irish came right back into it with Tom Homer's try but winger Camacho eased the Chiefs' worries when he went over.

Exeter's victory could have been more comfortable but fly-half Ignacio Mieres missed five penalty kicks and one conversion attempt.

The Chiefs applied the early pressure and Richard Baxter made an excellent break, with the ball being worked across field and outside centre Bryan Rennie, who just failed to squeeze in at the corner.

Exeter's pressure was rewarded when Baxter set up a drive to the line and Hanks went over for his first try of the season from close range.

Irish hit back when a clever grubber kick allowed Homer to collect wide on the left and dot down in the corner.

Exeter were stung into action and, after a series of phases, Camacho collected the ball at speed and went over for his first try for the club.

Exeter coach Rob Baxter:

"Every Premiership win is very important and hard fought so you take the points when you can. I thought we showed tremendous endeavour, but we also missed gilt-edged opportunities.

"We did miss a couple of opportunities to run in tries and we did fail to collect points through Ignacio Mieres' boot, which is quite unusual for us. If those had come off then it would have been a relatively comfortable win.

"London Irish have enough quality and enough game-breakers in their team to really hurt you, but we kept them out of the game by playing ourselves. We have just got to keep getting better and taking the opportunities.'

"I think that we can look towards a Heineken Cup place now because we would have to have a pretty poor run of games, and the results go the way for other teams, for people to go above us.''

London Irish coach Toby Booth:

"We can look at missed opportunities having been inside their 22 three times in the last seven minutes and you have to come away with things. We went for broke and last week against Leicester it cost us, and it cost us again this week.

"If you said that you could get a losing bonus point away to Exeter you wouldn't have been too disappointed. But you are always a little disappointed when you've seen opportunities to get more.

"We need to be a little more clinical and manage the game better, but those are just the little margins. Again we are on the wrong side of the scoreline and that has happened too often. We've got to seriously look at it because it is not from the lack of effort.''

Exeter: Dollman; Camacho, Rennie, Shoemark, Jess; Mieres, Thomas; Tui, Whitehead, Mitchell, Hayes (capt), Hanks, Johnson, Scaysbrook, Baxter.

Replacements: Clark, Moon, Budgen, Muldowney, White, Barrett, Steenson, Naqelevuki.

London Irish: Homer; Yarde, Ansbro, Shingler,Tagicakibau; Jarvis, Allinson; Corbisiero, Paice, Rautenbach, Kennedy (capt), Evans, Danaher, Garvey, Gibson.

Replacements: Buckland, Lahiff, Ion, Casey, Gray, Treviranus, Armitage, Hodgson.

Bob Casey Announces Retirement

Bob Casey announced on Sunday that he will retire from London Irish at the end of the season and will join Powerday plc as a senior business development manager.

Over the past decade Casey has made 233 appearances for the Exiles scoring six tries. He captained the club between 2007 and 2011 including leading the team in its Heineken Cup semi-final with Toulouse in 2009 and the Premiership Final with Leicester Tigers in 2010.

The 33-year-old played for Ireland on seven occasions and led Ireland A in the Churchill Cup tournament in the United States in 2009. He also played twice for the Barbarians.

Powerday is principal sponsor of London Irish and ranks among the leading environmental waste management companies in the United Kingdom. Casey will join the company’s senior management team at its north-west London head office in July. He will be responsible for business development including managing aspects of the company’s rugby sponsorship.

Commenting on his decision to retire from the game, Bob Casey said, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my rugby career both with Leinster and London Irish and have lots of great memories. I’ve been fortunate to play with many talented players and work with gifted coaches and would like to thank them and the medical staff that have looked after me so well. My special thanks must also go to all the supporters, business and individual, of London Irish in particular, for their exceptional welcome and encouragement over the past ten years. While I will miss them on the field, I hope to keep in contact with them in my new role. In the meantime, there are four key matches to play and I remain focussed and determined to do all that I can to help London Irish secure a place in next season’s Heineken Cup.”

Casey added, “I’m joining Powerday at a time of great opportunity for the business and am looking forward to working with Mick Crossan and his team.”

Andy Martin, London Irish Chief Executive said: “We cannot pay tribute enough to Bob. His commitment to the badge, the game and supporters is second to none. He has been an exceptional ambassador for London Irish and on behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank him for his outstanding contribution over the last ten years. As captain he led the squad through some of its most successful years, always a role model and a prolific and tenacious performer. Whilst he is retiring and we are extremely sad to lose him as a player, we are absolutely delighted that he is joining Powerday and so will still very much remain part of the London Irish family.”

Mick Crossan, Chairman of Powerday, said, “We are delighted that Bob will be joining us in July. Not only is he a great rugby player, he also has a real aptitude for business. He is universally respected throughout the game both on and off the pitch and that will be invaluable in his new role. Powerday is enjoying unprecedented growth and we are determined to capitalise on the opportunities we have to expand further, Bob will have a key role to play in ensuring that we succeed.”

O'Leary Exiles to London Irish

Ireland scrum-half Tomas O'Leary has signed a three-year deal with London Irish.

The 28 year-old will join the Exiles in the summer from Munster, where he has won two Heineken Cups and two Magners League titles.

O'Leary will replace former England scrum-half Paul Hodgson, who will leave London Irish for Worcester at the end of this season.

Capped 24 times, O'Leary was part of Ireland's Grand Slam-winning side in 2009 and he was selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa only for an ankle injury to rule him out.

"Joining London Irish presents a new and exciting chapter in my career and one that I am really looking forward to," O'Leary said.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Munster and the Heineken Cup triumph in 2008 will always remain a highlight.

"I'm looking forward to working alongside Brian and the coaching team and testing myself in the Aviva Premiership and playing alongside a very talented squad at London Irish.

"I have been lucky enough to be part of some winning teams at both Munster and Ireland and I hope to have even more success as a London Irish player."

Exiles director of rugby Brian Smith said: "Tomas will be a fantastic addition to our squad. He is a proven scrum half who has represented his country at the highest level.

"He will bring with him a wealth of experience and a winning mentality. We look forward to welcoming him to the club this summer."

Smith Returns to London Irish

London Irish announced on Thursday that former England Attack Coach, Brian Smith, has made a return to the Club today having been appointed Director of Rugby.

Having previously held the role with the Exiles for three years between 2005 and 2008, the vastly experienced manager and coach will rejoin the Club to work with Toby Booth, who will remain Head Coach, to bolster the club's current set up. Smith joins the club immediately, as London Irish prepares for its St Patrick’s Party game in the Aviva Premiership against Leicester Tigers (25th March) and his contract will run until the end of the 2014/15 season. 

Smith left the Exiles in 2008 to become England Attack Coach and subsequently helped to lead the national side to become RBS 6 Nations winners in 2011 and also achieve the second best win record and third best try scoring record in world rugby during 2011. 

He is widely credited as having been instrumental in laying the original foundations of London Irish’s most successful years taking the club to third place in the Premiership, the final of the European Challenge Cup and a Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulouse. After his departure, Toby Booth became Head Coach and he continued to steer the Exiles through their most successful period of the professional era, leading the club to a Premiership Final and Heineken Cup tournament qualifications for three successive years. 

Andy Martin, London Irish CEO said: “We have made great strides over the past couple of years to make this club successful both on and off the field by building a team which has a good mix of experience and raw talent. We are delighted therefore that Brian will be returning. He is a top class manager with a proven track record of success both at club and international level. We believe that his experience will help to strengthen our current resources and will be the boost we need to get back on track this season and beyond. 

“There is no doubt that it has been a tough few weeks, something that we are all feeling. We would like to thank our supporters most sincerely for sticking with us and hope they will see that we are committed to making positive changes towards future success.” 

Brian Smith said: “I am delighted to be returning to London Irish. Toby and I have always had a great relationship and that brought with it a lot of success on field in my time at the Club and I know that we’re destined for even greater things. We’re building a new squad with fantastic potential and if we all pull together we can really make things happen.” 

Prior to England and London Irish, Brian was Defence Coach at Bath Rugby helping the club to reach the 2002/03 final of the European Challenge Cup and the 2003/04 Guinness Premiership final. His coaching career had started with Sydney-based Eastern Suburbs who went undefeated in 2000 which led to a coaching role with the ACT Brumbies and a Super 12 final in 2001. 

He is a dual rugby international having played at fly-half for both Australia (six caps) and Ireland (nine caps). He is also an Oxford Blue. He debuted for the Wallabies on their successful 1986 Bledisloe Cup Tour and played in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.

Armitage Out After Detention

Delon Armitage has been suspended from the England Saxons Elite Player Squad following his detention by Devon & Cornwall Police early on January 29th. 

The London Irish full back was released from the England Saxons camp following the international match against the O2 Ireland Wolfhounds on January 28. 

He was later arrested in Torquay on suspicion of assault following an altercation in a nightclub, interviewed and then released on police bail while inquiries continue. 

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We take issues surrounding the behaviour of England players very seriously and as such have decided to suspend Delon from the Saxons EPS pending the result of the police inquiry. We will then consider if further action is appropriate under the EPS Code of Conduct. 

“High standards of behaviour are required from England players on and off the field, and they also need to understand that they should not put themselves in a potentially vulnerable position or environment.” 

London Irish said in a statement: “London Irish is extremely disappointed to hear about the incident involving Delon whilst on an England Saxons release period and takes these matters extremely seriously. We fully understand the RFU stance on this matter and will convene our own internal investigation to procure a full understanding of the matter in question, the outcome of which will determine any further action. Player conduct is a direct representation of the club and, therefore, inappropriate conduct will be strongly acted upon.”

Henson Starts Against London Irish

Gavin Henson starts at inside centre for Cardiff Blues in their Heineken Cup clash at London Irish on Saturday.

The Blues make seven changes, including Henson's first run-out in the number 12 jersey.

London Irish have made four changes from the side that beat Sale Sharks in the Premiership.

Adam Thompstone is the back three, Shontayne Hape starts at centre, Faan Rautenbach returns to the front row and David Sisi starts at open-side flanker.

Steven Shingler, the Welsh-born centre who has been advised by the IRB he is ineligible to play for Scotland in the forthcoming Six Nations Championship, is named on the Exiles' replacement bench.

For the Blues Alex Cuthbert (groin) and Chris Czekaj (hamstring) return from injury to fill the wing berths.

Up front Rhys Thomas (neck), Fau Filise (shoulder), Bradley Davies and captain Paul Tito all start with Michael Paterson coming in on the flank.

Henson switches to inside centre after two starts at full-back since recovering from a broken wrist, giving him a chance to impress before Wales announce their Six Nations squad on 22 January.

Though the Blues have some big names back, centre Jamie Roberts will miss the Pool Two clash with a knee injury

Centre Dafydd Hewitt (hamstring) is also out of the visit to the Madejski Stadium.

And the hopes of veteran Wales open-side flanker Martyn Williams of returning for the first time in four months after breaking his arm in September have also been dashed.

The Blues have lost just one of their last five European visits to England as they hope to qualify for the Heineken Cup's knock-out stages for the first time since the 2008/09 season.

London Irish's hopes of making the knock-out stages for just the second time in their history are slim as the Exiles have eight points, five points behind Edinburgh and Blues.

The Blues and Edinburgh are level on 13 points with Edinburgh topping Pool 2 courtesy of a superior try count.

The match will be the 100th Heineken Cup match for Cardiff Blues and Cardiff RFC.

"Cardiff is a must-win match if we are to remain in the Heineken Cup," said London Irish head coach Toby Booth.

"We're still in this tournament and fighting for our place. It will be another tough encounter but we will be ready for the challenge."

TEAM NEWS

London Irish: Delon Armitage; Topsy Ojo, Jonathan Spratt, Shontayne Hape, Adam Thompstone; Adrian Jarvis, Darren Allinson; Clarke Dermody (capt), David Paice, Faan Rautenbach, Nick Kennedy, Matt Garvey, Bryn Evans, David Sisi, Alex Gray.

Replacements: James Buckland, Alex Corbisiero, Paulica Ion, Bob Casey, James Sandford, Tom Homer, Steven Shingler, Paul Hodgson.

Blues: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Casey Laulala, Gavin Henson, Chris Czekaj; Dan Parks, Lloyd Williams; Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas, Taufa'ao Filise, Bradley Davies, Paul Tito (capt), Michael Paterson, Sam Warburton, Xavier Rush.

Replacements: Ryan Tyrell, John Yapp, Scott Andrews, Maama Molitika, Josh Navidi, Richie Rees, Ceri Sweeney, Richard Mustoe.

Referee: Mr Neil Paterson (Scotland)

Shingler Eligibility is Welsh

Steven Shingler is ineligible to play for any other country than Wales, the International Rugby Board has advised.

The 20-year-old London Irish fly-half was named in Scotland's Six Nations squad despite playing for Wales Under-20s against France in 2011.

Shingler's Scottish eligibility was examined by the IRB after it was questioned by the Welsh Rugby Union.

"He is tied to Wales and ineligible to play for any other Union," a IRB statement advised.

Shingler was named in Scotland's 36-man squad with coach Andy Robinson believing the uncapped back was available for selection through his Dumfries-born mother.

And the Scottish Rugby Union have vowed to defend their stance by referring the matter to the IRB's Regulations Committee so the case can be considered "formally."

"We remain fully supportive of the player and his sincere desire to represent Scotland," added the SRU statement.

Wales believed that Shingler's appearance at full-back for their Under-20s side meant that he could only represent them at international level and the IRB ruling was made despite Shingler claiming he "declined to sign a declaration" committing himself to Wales.

Neither Wales nor France run an 'A' side and, under IRB regulation eight, their Under-20 teams of 2011 were also considered to be their second XVs.

And, as the match was sanctioned by the IRB as a "next senior XV-a-side national representative team", any player on the field would have committed his future to that country for the rest of his international career.

The IRB statement reads: "The IRB has reiterated to both Unions that during 2011 both Wales and France officially designated their under-20 team to be the next senior national team.

"As the IRB has been advised that Shingler represented Wales Under 20 against France Under 20 in 2011 it would therefore indicate that he is tied to Wales and ineligible to play for any other Union.

"The SRU and WRU may wish the IRB Regulations Committee to consider this matter formally in accordance with IRB Regulation Two.

"The Unions are aware of the requirements of such a review.

Steven has informed us that he made it clear that he wished to leave open his international eligibility as he was also eligible to represent Scotland and England as well as WalesScottish Rugby statement

Scotland were confident that Shingler, the former Scarlets back, was eligible to play for them, citing the example of James Loxton and Matthew Jarvis, who represented Wales Under-20s against France Under-20s in 2010 but subsequently declared for Ireland.

However, Wales claimed the situation was different with Shingler because the game in 2011 had a different status to the one the year before.

The WRU referred Shingler's Scotland call-up to the IRB because of the possible precedent it might set on future Wales internationals.

"The case of Steven Shingler being named as an RBS 6 Nations Scotland squad player could not be left untested because of the impact on all other players," said the WRU statement.

"The WRU welcomes the IRB announcement which confirms that proper procedures were followed when informing the 2011 Wales U20 team to play France they would be solely Wales qualified at senior level after taking part in the game.

"It is important that all players informed of their potential senior selection status now or in future are left in no doubt about the authority of the regulations and protocols in place."

Jarvis Gives Irish Sale Victory

A late penalty from Adrian Jarvis gave London Irish a narrow win over Sale.

Sharks full-back Rob Miller crossed for an early try which Nick MacLeod converted before the same player made it 0-10 with a penalty from distance.

Bryn Evans' try was converted by Tom Homer and Topsy Ojo went over to give Irish a half-time lead

MacLeod landed three more kicks but a further score from Homer and a Jarvis brace won it for Irish, who had David Paice sin-binned for a dump tackle.

The hosts were looking to make up for their 30-3 hiding at Bath last week but fell behind when Miller drove over after an inside pass by Johnny Leota.

This was convert by MacLeod who then landed the first of four penalties.

This brought Irish to life and Evans touched down after being released by Jonathan Spratt, Homer converting.

Ojo further underlined the home team's growing dominance when he went over after being fed by Steve Shingler.

The interval gave the Sharks much-needed respite and they improved after the break when home hooker David Paice was sin-binned for a poor challenge on Andy Powell.

MacLeod's long distance penalty put them back in front but in truth they could not fully capitalise on their man advantage.

The lead changed hands as MacLeod, Jarvis and Homer all kicked over to leave the scores poised at 18-16 to the Exiles, heading into the closing stages.

After Marland Yarde's rush of blood to the head was punished by MacLeod's fourth penalty Sale looked like they might hold out for the win but Jarvis landed his second kick to give the hosts victory.

POST-MATCH VIEWS

London Irish head coach Toby Booth: "If we had been more clinical, we could have made it more comfortable.

"That's what pressure does and that is what an injury list does. By the first 10 minutes, we were a bit tentative, and you have to give Sale credit for that.

"But we could have been considerably in front by half-time, if we had been more clinical. But I'm not going to shy away from the fact that the victory was very important from what we produced last week."

Sale Sharks boss Steve Diamond: "I'm concerned about the referee being absolutely right about the penalty at the scrum.

"I'm not whinging but if the referee is going to make his interpretations, let it be consistent. That's what we are after.

"It is hard to take when such a crucial decision is made like that. He has to be 100% right that we wheeled the scrum. He ought to come to a coaching session and see that the wheel went out of the game 10 years ago."LINE-UPS

London Irish: D. Armitage; Ojo, Spratt, Shingler, Homer; Jarvis, Allinson; Dermody, Paice, Ion; Kennedy, Garvey; Evans, Gibson, Gray.

Replacements: Thompstone for Ojo (77), Yarde for Homer (62), Corbisiero for Dermody (62), Rautenbach for Ion (62), Casey for Kennedy (77), Sisi for Gibson (17).

Sin Bin: Paice (49).

Sale: Miller; Brady, Leota, Tuitupou, Tuculet; MacLeod, Peel; Dickinson, Jones, Buckley; McKenzie, Gaskell; Vernon, Auva'a, Powell.

Replacements: Willis for Peel (72), Cobilas for Buckley (54), Myall for Gaskell (47), Easter for Powell (59).

Att: 8,088

Ref: Wayne Barnes (RFU).