THE LV Cup might be intrinsically demotivating as a competition, but there might be something else putting fire in Wasps’ bellies on Sunday.

They take on Worcester at Adams Park with their future in the competition on the line.

More than that though, after Dai Young’s paint-stripping invective following last weekend’s defeat to Cardiff, it could one of the last chances for some of those in black and gold to save their Wasps careers.

Young said: “I wanted to come from that game last week with headaches and confidence that we’ve got really good competition for places now.

“I’ve made it quite clear to them that very few of them did themselves justice.

“We’ll probably have another look at it this weekend, but if they don’t perform they could wait a hell of a long time before they get an opportunity again.

“That’s been the message.”

And pointing to the LV Cup as a reason for under-performing will cut no ice.

Young said: “There is pressure on everybody to perform no matter what competition you’re playing.

“I expect a reaction from the players. I expect us to be better. We’re at home and we owe our loyal supporters a performance.

“They’ve got a big opportunity to react this weekend and there is no reason why they shouldn’t do it. They’ve been told.”