Quins Reminded It's A Marathon Not A Sprint
Harlequins succumbed to a hugely physical Northampton side last Friday at Franklin Gardens as they slumped to their biggest defeat of the season so far.
Whilst Quins may have sprinted to an almost certain top 4 and play-off place in the Premiership before Christmas, the returning form of the Tigers and Saints and the ever-steady Saracens mean there is still a long way to go this season if Quins are to come away with any silverware.
In front of a packed out crowd which included England Coach Stuart Lancaster, Quins were out-muscled as Northampton put on a brilliant display of high tempo, no mistakes rugby. Despite a spirited final ten Quins were never in danger of recovering from the 17-3 half time score, eventually losing 24-3.
The clash saw more than a few England hopefuls try to impress ahead of the England Squad announcement this week. Chris Robshaw once again put on an outstanding performance for the visitors, will no doubt feature in the England Training Squad and remains a possible interim Captain.
At 15 there was an intriguing battle between Ben Foden and Michael Brown, both very much in form and in contention for the England jersey. Foden took honours on the night, scoring a try before Brown could bundle him in to touch.
Danny Care might not be driving the team bus home after being caught drink driving over New Year, but he was excellent on the night and was often the driving force behind some of the better phases of Quins' attacking play. His expulsion from the EPS might just have saved the England coaching team a selection headache.
This Saturday Gloucester travel to the Stoop for a vital Heineken clash “ a must-win if Quins hope to progress to the knock out stages of the European Cup. Despite Gloucester losing to Worcester at the weekend, the Cherry and Whites will fancy their chances against a Quins side that appears to be suffering post-Christmas blues.
Key for Harlequins fans will be the possible return of Nick Evans. Having started against both Exeter and Saints, the New Zealander's replacement Rory Clegg has been poor from the kicking tee and has looked nervous with the ball in hand. If Evans remains unavailable for selection on Saturday Clegg will need to significantly improve his performance if Quins are to stand a chance.
As the season develops and international players report for duty, Quins look set to be tested. With a possible five months of rugby left ahead of them, it is yet to be seen if having rushed to the top of the Premiership and played David to European giants Toulouse, Quins have the legs to go the distance.
