After the match on Sunday the squad will get a deserved week off to regroup before returning to the Premiership competition with a much anticipated home fixture against Wasps on November 16th.

Quins have gone from Hero to Zero in the EDF Cup. A thrilling comeback against the Ospreys in the first round of this competition saw Harlequins expose Ospreys weaknesses and but for the bounce of the ball could/ should have come away with a victory from The Liberty Stadium. That defeat sealed Quins fate in the competition, especially after Worcester’s bonus point victory against London Irish the other pool match. Last weekend against London Irish, there was pride to play for in front of a record home crowd for this competition, a good win might still keep Quins hopes alive in the competition but much would depend on  the result of the Ospreys v Worcester match. As we know Quins continued their form of playing one good half and one poor half and déjà vu darkened the doors of The Stoop as once more Quins fell apart.  After a surprise try just before half time the visitors once again found their form in the second and capitalised pulling the home defence apart and winning their second match against Quins in four weeks. Yes it is only the EDF Cup but loosing at home always hurts and against London Irish makes it all the more painful.

Despite Worcester taking an early lead, Ruddock’s team was eventually out classed by their Welsh opponents who took time to get going The Ospreys eventually ran out winners by 37 points to 22 and they look certain to demolish London Irish at the Madejski next Sunday afternoon. This is essentially a Welsh competition and a glance at the other Pool tables with just one match to go shows that Welsh Clubs are top in three of the four pools, and third ( Newport) in the other, Gloucester look likely to win this pool. In Pool C Ospreys lead with 9 points followed by Worcester then Irish both on 5 points and Quins on just 1 point. Worcester still have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the Semi finals but it will be hard for them as it would require a bonus point win over Quins and Irish beating Ospreys scoring no more than three tries if Irish – Ospreys was a draw it would also put Worcester through if they won.

Worcester have everything to play for as they still have a chance to qualify, despite Quins being out they will probably use this match as a session to try game plans, and give an opportunity for match practice for the returning Nick Evans, who we will be needed when Quins resume their assault on the Premiership.  It is hard to build up much enthusiasm for this competition and certainly the Premiership Clubs appear to feel the same way, although it does give an opportunity to rest some players and bring on others in the squad to give them match practice.

It remains to be seen what the future of this competition is. It has been suggested that his completion should be played before The Guinness Premiership starts, and form part of the pre season friendlies. The fact that there is only room for three rounds of completion to qualify for the semi finals highlights the fact that you lose your first match then you are out of the competition. If the competition is to survive then there is a need to restructure it’s format.

Come on You Quins!

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