Flutey blow for Johnson as Wasps are stung

Flutey had to be helped from the field in the 31st minute and is a doubt for England's opening autumn international against New Zealand in two weeks.

The 30-year-old was a near-certainty to be selected at inside centre by manager Martin Johnson but Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks confirmed his participation is in doubt.

"Riki's pretty sore at the moment. It's an injury to the calf, quite high," he said.

"He'll be assessed by England tonight when he goes into camp with them. Hopefully he won't be out for too long. These things can take a day or two before you learn how bad they are, but he was definitely pretty sore."

England will also asses the fitness of lock Simon Shaw, who withdrew from yesterday's hiding at Adams Park because of an injury sustained in training.

Joe Simpson, who is competing with Ben Youngs for England's No 9 jersey, incurred a shoulder problem.

"Simon will also be looked at by England tonight. He had a calf strain on Friday," said Hanks. "It was innocuous but he wasn't fit to play. Hopefully it's not long-term."

Hanks made no attempt to excuse Wasps' poor performance after Saints romped to a bonus-point victory at Adams Park.

The home side's pack were overpowered throughout a torrid afternoon with three tries arriving from lineout catch and drives.

"There's a sense of embarrassment at having let the supporters and our families down," said Hanks.

"Our supporters have been great for us in the last few weeks, but that performance wasn't befitting of them.

"It's a mixture of disappointment, frustration and embarrassment. It's a horrible feeling when you come second like that."

Wasps face Leeds Carnegie next Sunday and assistant coach Shaun Edwards said: "We'll see what we're made of now."

Tongan prop Soane Tonga'uiha helped himself to two tries, while Stephen Myler, Chris Ashton and Courtney Lawes also crossed as Saints climbed to second.

Director of rugby Jim Mallinder admitted that Saints scented blood as soon as they discovered Shaw had been ruled out.

"That was a very satisfying performance. We've never won down here before so we knew we needed to play well and we certainly did that today," he said.