Lewsey left out on the wing

Wasps coach Ian McGeechan feels Josh Lewsey's best position is on the wing.

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan feels Josh Lewsey is at his best on the wing after his magnificent try in the win over London Irish.

The England international has started the new season in fine style after struggling for much of the last campaign.

He failed to play more than three successive games in the same position, leading to a loss of form that led to him being axed by England.

Now Lewsey is keen to remain in one position, with McGeechan in little doubt that should be out wide after his displays in the opening two Guinness Premiership fixtures.

"We wanted to see him on the wing," said the former British and Irish Lions coach.

"We feel that is where he is most potent and where he can take his game up to world-class standard.

"Josh can get a little bit impatient if things aren't always going his way but his work rate is really good and that is where we are trying to play him.

"His ball-carrying is why we see him on the wing. He is good in that front line, better than coming from deep sometimes, and is good to work off." 

Lewsey was short of work in the 23-17 victory over the Exiles, though, as Wasps continued to work behind their new-look pack to grind out results.

The arrival of locks Dan Leo and Tom Palmer has added more power to the front five and helped the home side dominate the line-out battle.

"At times last year, particularly in the Heineken Cup, we'd have probably done something silly and tried to run it," said coach Shaun Edwards.

"If you are going to win trophies we can't be one dimensional. We can't be razzle-dazzle or just tight.

"Hopefully this year, with the signings we've made and the work we've done in the off-season, well have the tight game to dominate proceedings."

Despite the defeat, London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith was encouraged by what he saw from his troops.

"We were pleased with our performance," he said. Our line-out was very effective and we made enough line-breaks to win the game.

"But it was a step up in performance and if we continue like that we should get our fair share of wins."