Leota is braced for Cup call-up

Trevor Leota could learn today he is to play in the World Cup after all.

The Wasps hooker initially ruled himself out of the tournament on financial grounds, with the rewards for turning out for Samoa paling in comparison with what he receives as a full-time professional in the Zurich Premiership.

But a recent personal sponsorship deal and an injury in the Samoan ranks means Leota could be travelling to Australia this week as a front row replacement.

He said: "I rang the guys after their fantastic performance against England, and I was asked by the management if I would consider going out as a replacement. They should know within 24 hours if I'm needed."

Leota's club, Wasps, yesterday went fourth in the table after thrashing Saracens 42-3 at Vicarage Road. The Samoan came off the bench after 64 minutes, with the champions already 35-3 up, and played both at tighthead prop and hooker in a cameo appearance.

Saracens looked a team bereft of confidence and ideas as their poor start to the season continued.

London Irish are fifth following their 47-26 victory against bottom club Rotherham at the Madejski stadium yesterday, while Harlequins drop to sixth following a second successive home defeat.

However, Mike Scott, the Quins manager, was not as unhappy with Saturday's 30-21 reverse against Sale Sharks as he was when seeing his side lose 16-0 to Gloucester seven days earlier at The Stoop.

"We played a lot better, and the result revolved around five minutes of madness in which we gifted them 14 points."