London - Leicester boss Richard Cockerill lashed out at the influence of the television match official (TMO) system on Saturday, claiming technology is having a detrimental effect on the referee's decision-making.

Cockerill was angry that both Telusa Veainu and Mat Tait had first-half scores ruled out after consultation with the TMO despite his team cruising to a 22-10 win over Newcastle.

"Mat Tait's try could have gone either way, but you have the referee saying I can't see anything wrong with it but then the TMO is saying it's a knock-on so I don't know who's refereeing the game any more," said director of rugby Cockerill.

"It used to be that the attack got the benefit of the doubt but it seems to be that the defence is getting the benefit now, but is it a knock-on or not?"

Northampton slumped to a shock 25-23 loss to London Irish with the Saints' Boxing Day misery compounded by England prop Kieran Brookes having to undergo knee surgery.

Brookes suffered the injury in last weekend's European Cup clash against Racing 92.

For London Irish, it was a first win of the season after six defeats in six games.

Luke Narraway and Sean Maitland bagged tries for the Exiles with a penalty try for a scrum offence three minutes from time - converted by Shane Geraghty - earning them victory.

Ken Pisi, George North and Kahn Fotuali'i were Northampton's try scorers.

Exeter went top courtesy of a 33-17 win over Sale Sharks.

Scrumhalf Will Crudley (2), Thomas Waldrom, James Short and Tom Johnson got the tries for the hosts.