NEWCASTLE Falcons arrive in Wycombe this weekend on a 19-game losing streak – but that doesn’t mean the points are guaranteed to stay in Bucks.

Recent Wasps history is dotted with unexpected defeats and it was only in March they needed a converted try in the final play of the game to avoid becoming Worcester’s first victims in 18 Premiership matches.

And if that isn’t warning enough, Wasps were 17-0 down after 15 minutes the last time Newcastle came to Adams Park.

Director of rugby Dai Young said: “Newcastle’s record is something we won’t even talk about.

“They’ve shown in glimpses that they can win games. Little things have gone against them and last season we really struggled to battle back against them.

“We won’t underestimate them and know we’ll have to be at our best. Our preparation will be no different to how it would be for Northampton or Saracens.

“But if we want to be in the top six then these are the games you have to win.”

Wasps will go into the game with baggage after last week’s loss to Harlequins, but Young has challenged them to turn that to their advantage.

He said: “It’s been quite a flat environment this week.

“Everyone is a bit annoyed and frustrated but I think that is probably an indication of how far we’ve come because we genuinely feel we’ve got a squad that can compete with the top four.

“I don’t know what reaction I’ll get, but I know what reaction I want and expect.

“I’d expect them to show that they’ve been hurting and want to put the record straight.”