Gatland realises Wasps' tough task

Wasps boss Warren Gatland accepts his European champions will lose control of their Heineken Cup campaign if they come unstuck against arch rivals Leicester tomorrow.

Gatland’s men currently lead pool one by a point from Leicester and Biarritz, but Leicester are favourites to follow up their epic away victory over Wasps last weekend in the Welford Road return.

If the form book holds true then Wasps would have to win their last two games - including Biarritz away – while also hoping other results work for them.

“It is strange to think that we are still in the pool stages of this competition, yet this game is like a final,” said Gatland, gearing up for the 16,815 sell-out clash.

“We know what we have to do – it’s just a case of making sure we execute it. I feel that we are going into the game quietly confident that if we don’t panic and we stick to our game plan we can win.

“Tigers are a quality side, and our record at Welford Road is not good. If we lose then our Heineken Cup destiny is out of our hands.”

Wasps, who will give their former England hooker Phil Greening’s injured knee a late fitness test, can draw strength from last season’s ultimately successful Heineken Cup campaign.

“We were in the same position last year after losing to the Celtic Warriors and then we went on to win two big games away from home,” Gatland added.

“But a second loss to Leicester will mean that retaining the Heineken Cup is out of our hands. We will be relying on other teams – which is something we don’t want to happen.”

Leicester coach John Wells has made one change from last Sunday, recalling Ben Kay to the second row instead of Louis Deacon.

A Tigers win, given that their last two group fixtures are at home to Biarritz and away against Italian minnows Calvisano, would see them put one paw in the knockout stages.

But Wells is wary of Wasps and expects another full-blooded encounter.

“Last Sunday’s match was an incredibly physical game of Test-match intensity, or perhaps even better,” he said.

“We are playing one of the beat teams in Europe on Sunday, and the best team in Europe can win anywhere. We have done it before, and Wasps did it last season.