London Wasps have taken a maximum 10 points from their opening two Amlin Challenge Cup matches - but it will be Pool 3 crunch time when they clash with big spending French club Bayonne in the back-to-back contests in Rounds 3 and 4 next month.
Try bonus point victories over Newport Gwent Dragons and Rugby Mogliano have edged them a point clear of Bayonne and Wasps travel to France for their December 8 test in a sound run of form.
Building strength in depth is crucial and Wasps are banking on 21-year-old Simon McIntyre doing just that in the key front row area in which the club have a wealth of knowledge to guide the young players.
McIntyre has switched positions from tight to loose-head and recognises that the learning curve is steep but the support network in place means he has plenty of advice going his way. McIntyre joined Wasps last season and has made 22 appearances, including three in the Amlin Challenge Cup.
"My change in position is going well, I'm still learning all the time and getting used to it," he said.
"I played loose-head earlier on in my career but at this level it's really different to when you are younger and can get away with little mistakes.
"So I'm still learning but it's brilliant because I have the best people to learn from, whether it is Trevor Woodman, Dai Young or Tim Payne.
"Tim is really good with me; he always comes to me with advice and helps me out. When you can learn from someone with that much experience it does you the world of good.
"I am really enjoying getting game time; I'm getting a chance at the moment through other injuries too. I think we are playing an expansive game which gives the forwards a chance to run with the ball which is reflected in our results, especially against Leicester. This is all very positive for us".
