Quins season is down but not out
If the Quins finish without silverware then this season will be remembered for two games. The first will be the historic win in the south of France against Toulouse. The second will be Friday night's 8-9 loss away against Connacht.
Whilst few could have predicted that Gloucester would beat the visiting Toulouse, Quins knew well in advance of Friday's encounter in Galway that they must at least win to stay in contention for a Quarter Final Heineken Cup place.
In fact with the Cherry and Whites recording their own memorable victory against the French Champs, Quins ought to have found themselves winners of Pool 6 and in the top flight of European Rugby.
Whilst the game was plagued by the terrible West of Ireland weather, there should be no excuses. Quins arrived with the intention to play a forward-dominated game, driving up the middle in a forward arm wrestle that Connacht lapped up.
Despite the weather there was no attempt to move the ball wide where Quins' talented backs have been so successful this season in creating space and tries. Instead the predictable battering ram of the front eight offered little genuine threat to the try line.
Whilst much credit must go to Connacht's outstanding defence, it was Harlequins' game to lose, and that is exactly what they did. Mike Brown's tweet on Saturday morningsaid it all: 'only [our]selves to blame'. Connacht had lost their previous 14 games in all competitions.
But thankfully for Quins it is not all doom and gloom. This isn't the end of the season and there are no less than 3 pieces of silverware still up for grabs. The most exciting news might be Quins' opportunity to defend the Amlin Challenge Cup.
Having missed a probable trip to Munster in the Heineken Cup Quarter Finals, Quins now find themselves heading to the sunny climes of Toulon for another big South of France matchup. Whilst few would have bet Quins could beat Munster away, despite having achieved the same feat last year, many will give them more of a chance in France.
By April the warm weather and firm ground mean that in France, unlike Ireland, Quins will have the conditions to play an offloading game with pace. It is here they are most comfortable and most able.
Win at Toulon and Quins are facing the prospect of a home Semi-Final and a home Final as the Amlin decider is set to be played at the Stoop in May.
The players may be down, but the season is far from out.
