Harlequins
Preview - Harlequins v Wasps (Amlin Cup quarter-final)
By Quinten Poulsen
April 8 2011
Once again TV schedules dictate that The Stoop hosts another important cup game away from the traditional 3.00pm Saturday kick off, this time in the quarter-final of the Amlin Cup against our great rivals Wasps on Friday evening. A Saturday slot would probably have ensured a third sell-out in successive games, alas this is very unlikely on a Friday.
Last week's defeat against Leicester has damaged Quins' hopes of Heineken Cup rugby next season, although considering the opposition left in the Amlin Cup it still may be more realistic that Quins qualify through league position. The win that the performance against Tigers deserved would have more or less kept 6th place in the league within Quins' control, but we now have to rely on other results and the climax to the season should be quite thrilling. A win away against Bath would virtually nullify their 2 games in hand, and London Irish will more than likely have to pull out two big wins against Northampton and Leicester in order to finish above Quins, although that's assuming Quins win their remaining three fixtures. Still, that seems a little more likely than winning away at Munster, although it's not a given that they will beat Brive, or indeed that Quins will beat Wasps.
For all the quality that Wasps have in their side, Harlequins will undoubtedly start the match as favourites, bearing in mind home advantage and the recent form of both clubs. Since the start of the year Wasps have won 3 from 12 compared to Quins' 8 wins from 13. However, one thing Wasps do have is a very good European competition pedigree with 2 final wins in the HEC and only 2 defeats in 17 games in the second tier competition.
Monday night saw the two clubs face each other in the A League game which saw Quins beat a weakened Wasps team by 62 point to 13. That Wasps team contained few recognised names thanks to the many players they have out injured currently, but they have managed to name quite a strong side for tonight's game with a number of seasoned players available. The pack is weakened somewhat but still includes fine players such as Simon Shaw, Dan Ward-Smith and Andy Powell, and with Payne, Webber and Hart it's not exactly poor. Former Quins EPDG member Joe Launchbury also starts, having been signed by Wasps from Worthing last summer.
Quins are without the banned Joe Marler and the injured Chris Robshaw, which means Ceri Jones and Will Skinner start instead. Although the loss of Robshaw in particular is a very big blow, we can't exactly complain considering that Wasps have several first choice forwards missing. I won't tire of saying this because it's true, but Nick Easter will need to continue his fantastic form to ensure Quins come out on top. The contest between the back rows should be pretty decent and Big Mo will likely be relishing facing Wasps again after his MOTM performance in the Middle East a couple of months ago. Mind you, to be fair that was against a very callow Wasps team. Still, his belligerent physicality will be much needed against what is quite a sizeable Wasps pack.
In the backs Wasps have less cause for concern, and while the loss of Waldouck is a blow for both Wasps and England there are still two very good centres named in the side – Flutey and Jacobs, although perhaps Flutey isn't in his best form right now. Varndell is still recovering from injury, but again there is quality on the wings and no shortage of blistering pace with Haughton and Lemi starting. The most likely danger-man in the Wasps backline is Joe Simpson, and while some cynics (I'm looking at you, BRW!) may refer to him as "just a bald winger", he is in fact a very good player when on top of his game, and has caused Quins plenty of problems in past games. Luckily for us we have two of the best half-backs in the country, and with a game under his belt following several week out even more will be expected of Nev this week. Care has shown in the last two games that he is in dominant form, and so despite the quality of Wasps backs I think Quins will have a bit more than them with no weak link from 9 to 15.
It's difficult to see past a home win, although I'm sure Quins will need to continue at the same breakneck pace they've been playing at recently. Maybe Wasps more than Quins will see this as a golden opportunity to try and force their way to HEC rugby next season, and I fully expect them to play without some of the pressure they have been suffering under in the league. However, assuming both teams play close to their potential I think Quins should progress to the semi-finals.
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Stumbleupon08/04/2011 01:56
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The game's afoot;
Follow your spirit: and upon this charge,
Cry — God for Harry! England and Saint George
Quote:Nicksb
Good preview - and on time too!
Thanks Nick, although I'm still working on last week's Tigers preview!
The game's afoot;
Follow your spirit: and upon this charge,
Cry — God for Harry! England and Saint George
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:04:08:11:41:17 by deadlyfrom5yardsout.
