WASPS will provide “a big defensive challenge” for Worcester Warriors tomorrow at Sixways, says head coach Carl Hogg.

The star-studded Coventry-based outfit are second in the table after racking up 293 points from nine matches, 38 more than Exeter Chiefs.

Warriors, guilty of slipping off tackles and shipping 57 points at Exeter last Saturday, have the second worst defensive record in the league.

“It’s going to be a big defensive challenge — there’s no doubt about it,” said Hogg. “Wasps are a good side and have scored the most tries and most points in the Premiership.

“They have a very strong attacking threat but we have got to look at how we defend and how many numbers we need in the line to control collisions.

“First-up collisions and pressure on ball weren’t good enough at Exeter and, if that happens, it doesn’t matter which defensive system you run because you are always going to be under pressure.

“If we can control collisions, we can give ourselves a chance.”

Hogg continued: “We have to get back on the horse and I don’t think confidence is a huge issue after last weekend.

“We have fixed some issues defensively and have to create some line-speed and put pressure on Wasps.

“If we stand off and let Wasps play, they are a very dangerous side. We have to take space and time away from them.

“We have got a game we know stacks up regardless of the opposition and it’s about us being more accurate and withstanding momentum.”

Wasps battered Warriors 62-10 at home three weeks ago in the Anglo-Welsh Cup after Dan Robson starred in the second half.

The livewire scrum-half starts at Sixways although Wasps are without the injured Christian Wade, who scored six tries in the fixture last season.

“Dan is a player I know reasonably well,” said Hogg. “I worked with him at Gloucester and he’s terrific.

“He has the ability to kick off both feet and an eye for a gap. He’s someone we are aware of and we have to shut down his time and space.

“Christian was sensational for Wasps at Sixways last season but they have brought in Frank Halai, so they have lots of strength in depth.”