TOM Varndell believes Sunday's home Premiership game with Exeter will be pivotal in Wasps' top six ambitions this season.

Wasps are seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Exeter.

Varndell said: "It’s going to be a completely different game to last week I think. There will probably be a few more opportunities for the backs. I watched their game against Harlequins last week and they have a clear desire as well as the ability to move the ball which is a really attractive brand of rugby.

"They have developed their game over the last few seasons and we know how much of a challenge they will pose us.

"We need our fans to come out once again and get behind us at Adams Park because this is such a pivotal time in the season.

"We have aspirations to be in that top six and if we want to be there it is games like this weekend that will make the real difference.”

Varndell has missed much of the season with injury after rupturing his bicep after the first game.

He is back now though and eager to make up for lost time.

He said: "Any player would tell you that having to sit on the sidelines and not be involved is one of the worst things. Spending three months out as well means that it is hard to get back into it straight away.

"I was lucky enough to get a try in that Grenoble game but in the last few weeks the weather hasn’t lent itself to a backs game and I have just been happy to be a part of the team and to play my part in any way I have been able.

“The Premiership is always a tight league but at this time of year the attacking opportunities for wingers tend to be reduced a bit further. When the conditions are like that it gives you a chance to work on some of the other areas of your game; defence, positioning and the kicking game.

"That’s all part and parcel of the game, you aren’t going to be running length of the field tries in every week, sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves, get stuck in and hope a chance comes your way.”