McGeechan misses absent players

NEWS: WASPS DIRECTOR of rugby Ian McGeechan has admitted his beleaguered English Premiership champions missed the nine internationals who were absent for the 32-10 away defeat to London rivals Harlequins yesterday.

"It does make a difference with the experience that's there," McGeechan admitted. "We know we always have the biggest challenge when international rugby is on."

His Harlequins counterpart Dean Richards, with five potential starters on international duty and half a dozen injured, had to make another change two hours before kick-off when winger Seb Stegmann dropped out with flu.

But the reshuffle in the backs resulted in match-winner Nick Evans switching to fullback from outhalf for his injury-delayed home debut. The former All Black contributed 19 points and Wasps never recovered from his stunning first-half try.

London Irish coach Toby Booth believes the 24-8 victory at Newcastle yesterday is vindication of a flexible selection policy.

Booth was without England fullback Delon Armitage and also had to contend with the absence of Pacific Islanders three-quarters Seilala Mapasua and Sailosi Tagicakibau and Irish lock Bob Casey.

Armitage's 23-year-old brother Steffon was also dropped, only to come on and score within two minutes of his arrival, his try coming between scores from flankers Richard Thorpe and Declan Danaher.

"There are no sacred cows at London Irish," Booth said. "Steffon was omitted because he's dipped a bit in form and I felt others warranted an inclusion after how they've performed."

Anthony Allen and Olly Morgan returned to get Gloucester's title challenge back on track with a 25-21 victory at Saracens. Allen crossed to set Dean Ryan's men on their way before Morgan burst clear in the second half to put the visitors clear.

And Bristol ended their eight-month wait for a league victory after climbing off the canvas to floor Northampton, 14-13 - though they remain bottom of the table.