No debut delight for Henson as Hodgson rules

Hodgson grabbed a first-half try, added the conversion and landed seven penalties from eight attempts in a 28-23 win.

Despite soaking up Saracens pressure for most of the match, Welsh had Sarries hanging on at the end after producing two breakaway tries from Canada wing Phil MacKenzie and full-back Tom Arscott.

Henson’s boot contributed their other 13 points as they collected a losing bonus point.

The 30-year-old double Grand Slam-winning Welshman’s first Premiership appearance for the Exiles had been delayed after he fractured his cheekbone in a pre-season match.

Wasps held off a late Worcester charge to record a 10-6 win in a poor match at Adams Park.

The home side made a blistering start and should have won far more comfortably but they failed to take advantage of all their territory and possession to allow the Warriors to remain in the game.

Wasps had the more creative players with Joe Simpson impressing but the Warriors could have sneaked it.

Exeter head coach Rob Baxter has urged his players to continue the momentum gained from their 42-28 victory over champions Harlequins at Sandy Park in the Chiefs’ first taste of the Heineken Cup next weekend.

The home side out-scored Quins five tries to three with two touchdowns from Jason Shoemark plus one each from Brett Sturgess, Ben White and Sireli Naqelevuki with Gareth Steenson adding four conversions and three penalties.

“We will approach Leinster in a similar manner as we did Harlequins,’ said Baxter, whose side face reigning European champions Leinster next week.

“We are a good side when we play. I want the players to go there and enjoy the experience the full 80 minutes.

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith backed Jonathan Joseph to star for England in the autumn internationals after his performance in the Exiles’ 
39-17 win against Northampton.

Joseph touched down for the first try and then played a key role in those scored by David Paice and Topsy Ojo before Jamie Gibson wrapped up the bonus point.Joseph made his Test debut during England’s summer tour of South Africa and Smith said: “I would like to see JJ get another crack. He is a class act and his talent is well regarded by the English coaches.”

Gloucester boss Nigel Davies hailed his players’ “resilience and composure” after they turned around a 10-0 deficit to sink Bath.

A second-half try from Rob Cook underpinned Gloucester’s revival to claim a 16-10 win. England fly-half contender Freddie Burns chipped in with 11 points