DIGEST: London Irish: London Irish director of rugby Conor O'Shea claimed there is no need to press the panic button despite his side losing their fourth match out of five outings this season with a 21-31 loss against Wasps in the English Premiership yesterday.

London Irish looked on course for a major hiding following Wasps' commanding start to the game.

The visitors built up a massive 31-0 lead with 60 minutes played but the Exiles bounced back with three late tries.

"I'm not panicking after the game," said the former club captain. "If we had played against Wasps like we had played against Harlequins a week earlier then I would be panicking. Instead we have shown the intensity we want to show. In fact I couldn't believe it was 24-0 at half-time.

"I couldn't be more proud with the way the boys came back and I'm sure the breaks will start going our way and we will soon be winning more games than we are losing."

Wasps head coach Warren Gatland described his side's bonus-point win as the best he has seen since his arrival at the club last season. Gatland said: "Our game plan was good and our discipline was excellent. We are now keeping our patience defensively and that is paying off.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: Italy were made to work hard for their ticket to Australia by a spirited Romania in a World Cup qualifier in Parma on Saturday.

Italy eventually won 25-17 but the visitors outscored the Italians by two tries to one and the home side needed Gert Peens to strike over six penalty goals to clinch the issue.

Romania held a one-point lead at 17-16 midway through the second half before Peens slotted the last three of his penalties.

Italy have qualified for first-round Pool D at the finals with New Zealand, Wales and Canada.