WASPS have been warned to expect an Irish backlash tomorrow.

The black and golds have beaten the Exiles three times already this season, but that is precisely why Dai Young has told his players to prepare for a war.

He said: “It’s a dangerous game because we’ve played them three times this season and won on every occasion so they’re certainly going to have a bit of a bite coming into this game.

“I respect them as a team and am surprised they haven’t picked up more wins than they have because they play some really entertaining rugby with some quality players. They probably play too much rugby and cause themselves some problems, but when they get it right they’re a quality team.”

They certainly got it right last weekend, inflicting a rare home defeat on Saracens.

Young said: “Last week was bound to be confidence builder for them and they deserved it as well, so they’ll come with confidence and a real attitude as well.”

However, Wasps will have their own agenda. Defeat to Harlequins last weekend knocked them out of the top six and, on paper at least, they’ll have tougher tests than Irish during the run-in.

Young said: “It’s a massive game for us. You’ve got to win your home games no matter who you’re playing, but if you want to give it your best crack and want to be there at the end of the season, these are games you have to win.

“I’m looking forward to the game because after the disappointment of last week you want to get out and play again as soon as possible.”