YORK Wasps' French-born full-back, Ben Sorbello, reckons it won't be a complete case of deja vu tomorrow (3pm).

The Wasps take on leading French club Villeneuve Leopards in a mouth-watering Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup fourth round tie for the second time in as many years.

And the similarities don't end there.

The Leopards are again flying high, while the Wasps are again struggling in the Northern Ford Premiership.

The Leopards again have a star-studded side, including eight of the French team that played Great Britain last October, and they also have some quality Aussies, such as former Salford centre Jason Webber, while Wasps are again in a period of transition.

But Sorbello reckons one crucial thing might be different - the outcome.

"I think we can win, never mind be in with a shout," he said. "I know York lost last year but we can win this time, definitely."

The Aussie should know better than most about what to expect, having joined Wasps from the now defunct French Elite One outfit Avignon at the start of the season.

He only played eight games for them before the liquidators came in but knows plenty about French rugby.

"Villeneuve played Avignon in the game before I got there but I know they're a strong side," he said.

"They've been together a long time and know each others' moves. They're a well-drilled side but I honestly think we've got enough to beat them."

Last year, Wasps were toppled 22-8, with Villeneuve going on to knock out Rochdale before saying au revoir to the Challenge Cup in the quarter-finals after a defeat by Super League Warrington.

And with top hooker Vincent Wulf and scrum-half Freddie Banquet, who pulled the strings last year, set to star again, the Leopards are favourites to go through.

However, of last year's York team, only Shaun Austerfield - a former Villeneuve player - and Darren Crake will be involved tomorrow.

And Sorbello said: "If they think they're coming for an easy game, they're dreaming," he said.

Sorbello has added incentive to win. He turned 32 today and victory will be the best birthday present, especially on his return to the team.

He impressed at the start of the season at full-back, but got injured and lost his number one shirt to Jamie Benn. He now comes in on the wing in place of Michael Forbes.

Wasps boss Leo Epifania also has first-hand experience of Villenueve having previously played against them for fellow French outfit Cahors. And he too has extra reason for wanting revenge.

"I remember playing against them a few times and they did us every time. I also remember ending up with a broken nose after one game. I won't forget them real quick!

York Wasps: from Benn, Sorbello, Austerfield, Hall, Molloy, Liddell, Yeaman, Docherty, Edwards, Hill, Barrow, Ramsden, Cain. Subs: Kirke, Hutchinson, Crake, R Lee.

Updated: 11:44 Saturday, February 09, 2002