Leeds survival would top World Cup glory for Back

Leeds face bottom-of-the-table Worcester at Headingley on Sunday knowing that victory would secure their Premiership survival and trigger a 1m boost to the club's coffers.

"Back in 2003 we were one of the favourites in Australia and we had almost unlimited resources to achieve our goal," said Back.

"However, this season not many people have given us a chance of staying up and yet we now know that our fate is in our own hands against Worcester.

"Having watched Worcester, we know they are going to be incredibly difficult to beat. They will come to Headingley fighting for their lives, but we have to make sure that we produce our best performance."

Andy Key, Director of Rugby at Carnegie, is also wary of the threat Worcester pose to Leeds in what he acknowledges is a "huge game" for his side.

"We're not going to take anything for granted – our approach will be the same as it has been for any other game this season," said Key.

"This side (Worcester) has nothing to lose, and they will throw everything at us so it's important we stick to our game plan.

"We've had a good couple of training days so far and if we can continue that throughout the week then we'll go into the game with a great mental state."

Key, who expects to be without Calum Clark for Sunday's encounter because of the forward's damaged groin muscle, concedes he and Back are "a little bit apprehensive" but insists his side are ready for the challenge.

"We do do nerves, me and Backy," he added, "but it's a nice thing to have. Our role is to settle the ship, to ensure that the players are in the right state of mind and know what they have to do – and when to do it. It's about making sure we get that mental side right, because physically we are in the right state.

"The players know how important the game is, and that's where their focus is. We are now playing a brand of rugby which is more than capable of competing in this league.

"We have to make sure we have a calmness in the team, but at the same time have a clear understanding and appreciation of what we have to do."

Worcester will give captain Pat Sanderson as long as possible to overcome a 'stinger' arm injury.