Saracens move top as Exiles end Wasps' run

Saracens survived the early loss of captain Steve Borthwick to condemn Gloucester to their third straight defeat and move top of the Guiness Premiership.

Gloucester had led from the second minute after Rory Lawson’s opportunistic try but they were unable to hold on as Shalk Brits barged over in the 67th minute to send the hosts top.

However, not everything went Saracens’ way in their first game at Vicarage Road this season as Borthwick was forced off with just 13 minutes gone. The England skipper suffered a cut to his left eye after a clash of heads with Olivier Azam.

In the afternoon’s other Premiership clash, London Irish climbed to second as they edged out Wasps at the Madejski Stadium.

Samoan winger Sailosi Tagicakibau bagged a brace of tries and fly-half Ryan Lamb added 15 points with the boot as the Exiles brought Wasps’ unbeaten run to an end.

Despite plenty of ambition, Wasps’ only try came via referee Dave Pearson’s penalty award for Adam Thompstone’s illegal tackle on Dominic Waldouck. It was ultimately the lack of a clinical touch that cost Wasps, who drop to fourth after defeat.