Toby giving Irish expansive tastes

If his team can go one better on Saturday by claiming a Guinness Premiership win over Leicester at Welford Road, Booth's claim to a place at the top table of English coaching will be undeniable.

After taking over as head coach following Brian Smith's elevation to the England coaching team, Booth has maintained the Exiles' ethos of playing expansive rugby based on a rock-solid set piece.

His team looked better acquainted with the experimental law variations than the defending champions at Twickenham - testimony, in part, to Booth's attention to detail.

The 38-year-old spent much of last season going through them with a fine tooth comb. On the evidence of last Saturday, his homework is paying off.

Booth, who cites Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho as coaching role models who made it to the top without international playing experience, is anticipating the prospect of another potential giant killing this weekend.

He said: "Since I've been involved with the first team, we have beaten everybody. The more times you beat the big achievers like Leicester and Wasps, the more it feeds your ambition.

"There's no stiffer challenge than playing at Welford Road."

Booth is unashamedly ambitious and his successful stint with the England Saxons this summer was another step up on the ladder towards a place alongside his former boss Smith in the full national set-up.

"To coach your country in a World Cup campaign would be amazing," he said. "It would be the ultimate high."

Booth's ability not just to pinpoint his opponent's weaknesses but also to motivate his players was in evidence last weekend.

He challenged second-row Nick Kennedy to outplay Simon Shaw and taunted Exiles' openside Steffon Armitage by reminding him that the entire Wasps back row were ahead of him in the England pecking order. Both forwards responded with outstanding displays.

Irish will travel to Leicester without the injured Shane Geraghty, Bob Casey and Kieran Roche, while Mike Catt (heel) is doubtful.

Saracens director of rugby Eddie Jones takes his side to Sale on Friday hoping to claim a first win of the season.

Jones is confident of turning the perennial underachievers into a force to be reckoned with.

He said: "We're trying to develop an infrastructure that means we can sustain success over a period of time. We have a chance to make history."