Speed merchant Josh Lewsey returned to the Wasps' starting line-up after his
hamstring injury to provide the injection of pace which inspired a victory that
significantly improves their hopes of automatic qualification for Europe next
season.
Lewsey stepped on the accelerator twice in the first half with devastating
effect.
Taking a pass from flanker Joe Worsley, he raced 40 metres to leave the London
Irish cover trailing for the opening try, which was converted by Alex King in
the 11th minute.
Then on the stroke of half-time Lewsey's superb break created the chance for
full-back Mark van Gisbergen to race in for the second try, again converted by
King, to stretch the lead to 17-8.
In between Barry Everitt made amends for an early miss by kicking a 40-metre
penalty for Irish, and right-wing Paul Sackey also showed his speed to apply the
finishing touch to a fine piece of opportunism by the Exiles.
Their reward in spurning an easy kick in favour of a tap penalty, while former
England captain Lawrence Dallaglio was still arguing about the decision, paid
off as the ball passed through six pairs of hands before Sackey sped down the
touch-line to score in the corner.
But that apart, Dallaglio turned in a faultless performance to inspire his
side to victory, linking up as an extra man in the three-quarter line and
covering effectively.
He showed no ill-effects from the shoulder injury suffered in last week's home
win over Northampton to dispel any doubts about his fitness ahead of England's
opening RBS 6 Nations clash with France at Twickenham on Saturday.
By contrast, Wasps' Scotland wing Kenny Logan, who is expected to play against
Ireland, made little impact and was withdrawn in the 55th minute.
Everitt cut the deficit to 17-11 with a 49th-minute penalty for Irish, but
King kicked two more to keep Wasps in control.
But, with the usually reliable Everitt having an off-day and missing three
penalties and a conversion, Irish were always chasing the game, and full-back
Mark Mapletoft was also narrowly wide from the half-way line when he took over.
Wasps turned up the heat to make sure of the important bonus point in the
closing stages.
Lewsey looked odds-on to score another try with a piercing diagonal run, but
he was hauled down by an excellent tackle from Irish left-wing Michael Horan.
Wasps' third try came in the 68th minute when centre Fraser Waters took a
short pass from flanker Paul Volley to go on a barnstorming 35-metre run before
crashing over the line to leave King with another conversion which took his
contribution to 15 points.
Three minutes later big prop-forward Craig Dowd barged his way over in the
right hand corner for try number four to take Wasps level on points in the
Zurich Premiership table with third-placed Leicester Tigers and Leeds.
With that secured, Wasps decided to take no further risks with Dallaglio ahead
of the international and replace him.
Wasps: van Gisbergen, Lewsey, Waters, Abbott, Logan, A.
King,
Wood, Dowd, Leota, W. Green, Shaw, Birkett, Worsley, Bolley,
Dallaglio.
Not Used: Biljon, Greening, Rudd, Erinle, Scrivener, Lock,
Kershaw.
Tries: Lewsey, van Gisbergen, Waters, Dowd.
Cons: A. King 3.
Pens: A. King 3.
London Irish: Mapletoft, Sackey, Burrows,
Venter, Horak,
Everitt, Martens, Worsley, Kirke, Halford, Casey, Kennedy,
Gustard, Danaher, Sheasby.
Not Used: Barrett, Appleford, Dawson, Flavin, Delaney, Hatley,
Hardwick.
Tries: Sackey.
Pens: Everitt 2.
Att: 8,590
Ref: Paul Honiss (New Zealand).
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