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London Irish got the Guinness Premiership campaign off to a winning start with a 26-24 victory over defending champions Wasps at Twickenham.

The Exiles dominated a scrappy match against a disappointing Wasps side that showed little of the form that last season saw them claim a fourth Premiership title in six years.

The victory gave Toby Booth a winning start to his time in charge of the Exiles, while Wasps defence coach Shaun Edwards was visibly furious on the touchline as his side conceded two easy tries.

London Irish number eight Chris Hala'ufia took advantage of a poor lineout throw from Wasps skipper Rafael Ibanez in the seventh minute to score on his debut, while flanker Richard Thorpe added a second in the 53rd minute when he brushed off two weak tackles.

Exiles full-back Peter Hewat had a good day with the boot, unlike Wasps Mark Van Gisbergen, and slotted both conversions along with four penalties.

It was a shocking performance from Wasps and, having trailed 13-0 at the break, took another 20 minutes before they got a point on the board.

Tom Rees scored their first when he broke free from a maul 10 metres out, when Eoin Reddan - Wasps best player - touched down with five minutes remaining after a blindside move.

But Wasps were never in the contest, despite having a number of early chances at goal which were missed by Van Gisbergen.

The Exiles, with man of the match Nick Kennedy again dominant at the lineout, were deserved winners of the season's first league clash.

Wing Sailosi Tagicakibau was a constant threat for the Exiles and got the better of England wing Paul Sackey on several occasions, especially just before the break when he came close to finishing off a Delon Armitage break from his own 22.

The Exiles defence was also far tighter than their opponents, despite allowing Rees in for a soft try.

Veteran Mike Catt, captain for the day in the absence of the injured Bob Casey, controlled proceedings from fly-half while Hewat was ever-dependable at the back with his long kicks regularly putting Wasps on the back foot.

There was also an impressive Premiership debut for young Exiles prop Alex Corbisiero, who made a number of big hits early on.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport