Harlequins will be looking to maintain their hold at the top of the table and avenge their mugging on the last day of the 2007-2008 season, when Tigers scored an injury time try to snatch a 31-28 win, which relegated Quins to a sixth place finish when a top three finish looked possible just a few weeks before. Leicester themselves will be wanting to get back to winning ways after a very late try by Bath snatched the result for the home side, the consequence being that Harlequins and Leicester traded places in the Premiership Table. We all know that a wounded Tiger is a very dangerous animal, but Quins confidence is very high.

So after last week’s sparkling home win against Wasps, and with defeats for Leicester and Sale, has pushed Harlequins up to second place in the Guinness Premiership table, just behind Bath who they meet at The Stoop next weekend.

Last Sunday’s home match against Wasps was a belter by all accounts, and although I was disappointed to have missed it, although I did wear my shirt with pride. Harlequins certainly reaped reward from their investment in the talented Nick Evans, who amazed at fullback. He was man of the match scoring 19 points, including a memorable try from a devastating fast run from inside his own half. Despite the loss of players through injury and International call up ,Quins showed that they have strength in depth and Will Skinner was outstanding as Captain. The only disappointment last weekend was the fact that Quins failed to capitalise on their dominance and score four tries and pick up a bonus point. That lost point may prove costly later in the season.  A very buoyant Will Skinner said this week that it is this depth of talent that is the driving force behind the surge in form.” We have called on a lot of guys this season but everyone has really stepped up to the plate and performed.” He added that it will be interesting to see what Dean Richards does when everyone returns from International duty (six players last week)“as a number of players have put their hands up.”

Quins face another tough test up at Welford Road on Saturday, “it is always a difficult place to go to, with a very hostile environment”, Skinner added   “but Quins enjoy that type of environment and everyone is looking forward to it. Everybody is enjoying their rugby at the moment, and that is a major reason why we are doing so well, we are a very strong unit and we will continue to grow”

In contrast last weekend, Tigers showed that they have their failings, having taken the lead at the end of a fighting comeback, with just 3 minutes to go. Leicester, who had been 20-3 down at half time, thought they had won the match, but hadn’t bargained for Butch James. Bath clung on to possession in the final minutes before James went in for a try stealing a 25-21 at the final whistle. 

The well worn excuses of “we have always got the biggest challenge when the Internationals are on” continues to wear thin this week as it is used over and over again to defend poor performances and provide excuses ahead of important games. This week a Leicester paper printed an article suggesting that due to cal ups and injuries following the Bath match, Leicester had huge selection problems ahead of this weeks, game against Quins, a sign perhaps that the home side believe that the Harlequins renaissance over the past two years has reached a level where their home record against Quins is in jeopardy. Despite running them close back in April Quins have not at Welford Road for many years and this week match may just see an end to that statistic. While both sides have team selection headaches, the problems are the same for both clubs and it is down to the strength in the depth of the squad that will dictate who the victor will be.

This match therefore has the makings of being another thrilling encounter at Welford Road, certainly the travelling supporters are expecting to be rewarded with an away win, and I’m sure that Dean Richards has been planning on just that result.

Come on You Quins!

The other Premiership matches this weekend are;

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