Josh Lewsey admits Wasps want to improve on their 35-29 win against Saints.
Heineken Cup semi-final, Northampton Saints v Wasps, Ricoh Arena, Sunday April 22, KO 3pm, Sky Sports 2
Josh Lewsey insists there is a fierce determination within Wasps' changing room to beat Northampton Saints in the Heineken Cup semi-finals this weekend.
Wasps beat Saints 35-29 in the league on Sunday, handing their opposition the perfect motivation to reverse the tables at the Ricoh Arena.
However, Lewsey believes any feelings of revenge will be matched by Wasps' own disappointment in their performance last weekend, which saw them let Saints battle back to 29-29 before Mark van Gisbergen's boot decided the contest.
"I don't think I've been in a changing room, without wanting to sound arrogant, after claiming the bonus point win and feeling so down because we underperformed," Lewsey told Sky Sports News.
"As a player you don't get too many opportunities to win trophies like this, so if you are getting close to the final you don't want to pass the opportunity up.
"Nobody remembers the teams who lose in the semi-finals so this week feels really special."
Wasps hooker Raphael Ibanez was in equally bullish mood, insisting now is the time for his men to show their mettle after an inconsistent season.
"For me, it's time to deliver and for the club it's time to show what Wasps are made of," he told Sky Sports.
"I'm not under any illusions about the intensity of the game, it's going to be full of intensity, pace, power, the kind of game you train and play for all year."
Whoever wins this season's Heineken Cup could find themselves without a trophy to defend next year, as rugby's governing bodies continue to tussle over the competition's shareholding.
Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan has called for common sense to prevail, insisting it will be bad for the game if the Heineken Cup ceases to exist.
"As coaches and players that's all you want to do is be judged against the best players in Europe," he said.
"We'll be very disappointed if it's not the case next season."
