TONY Yapp starts once again on the bench today at Exeter with Worcester Rugby Club coach Adrian Skeggs telling him: "patience is the key."

The 23-year-old has made just one start this season and has found it impossible to jump ahead of Worcester's key fly-half Earl Va'a.

However, the Sixways coach believes if Yapp stays patient, he will get his chance.

Yapp came off the bench and had a 30-minute run-out during last Saturday's 56-18 demolition of Henley and starred for the Warriors as they won 34-12 at Northampton on Tuesday.

And his form could not be better going into today's National One clash at the County Ground according to Skeggs, who said: "He's got a lot to offer.

"Yapp is a very structured player and gives me different options to Earl. He is progressing and lately he has been in the 22 whereas a lot of times this season, he has been out of that.

"His form is very good at the moment and certainly for the Warriors, his performances have been excellent."

However, with Samoan international Va'a occupying the number 10 shirt at present, the route into the first-team is not an easy one for the former England A man.

"He has to be patient, but this week he has played against John Leslie at Northampton and that has to be a challenge. It is also important he is getting game-time against top-class opposition.

"I don't see things changing with regards to the fly-half position because I think Earl is a key player for us. When he plays well, we all play well and people can see that.

"It is a shame for Yappy that he doesn't get more first-team chances but that's how it is at a club like Worcester."

Skeggs added: "The important thing is that we all understand, we do things as a club together and for the good of the team whether it's first-team or for the Warriors."