By Worried of Whitton
January 14 2010

After the postponement of their match last weekend, Harlequins kick off the new decade at the Stade Ernest Wallon  at 16.00 on Sunday January 17th against  Toulouse in Round 5 of the Heineken Cup.  Whilst Quins fate has already been sealed in this completion after back to back losses against Sale, they can still influence who finishes top of the Pool next weekend.

Toulouse currently  top the Pool after 3 wins and one loss with 14 points, Sale Sharks are hot on their heels with  the same number of wins and losses but with 13 points. Quins are at the foot of the table with 4 losses and just two bonus points.  Quins had an unfortunate start in this competition losing down at Cardiff by a score line hat flattered the home side,  20-6 with Quins unable to take advantage of  their possession, and gave Cardiff two soft Tries.  A superb first half performance  at home t Toulouse in round two saw Quins in command of the game at half time, only to have frittered away their lead within  eight minutes of the second half.  The home game against Toulouse, despite the loss 19-23, was one of Quins most exciting games this season. The two games against Sale were also competitive, but another two losses meant that Quins cannot qualify for the quarter finals.

Despite this a significant number, over 200Harlequins supporter are travelling to France this weekend, boosting the revenues of easy jet, Eurostar/SNCF  and the Accor Hotel chain. The hope of some winter sunshine after the snow also seems remote judging by the weather forecast, but I m sure a good time will be had by all.

Toulouse are obviously favorites  to win, the two sides last met at this stadium back in 1997 in the Quarter Finals when Quins were thumped 51-10.  Quins will play to salvage some pride from this competition, they have nothing to loose.. ( see what I did there), whist their hosts are not yet home and dry in the pool, which looks set to go to the final match Sale v Toulouse next weekend. The home side have won the competition on three occasions, but they did slip up at home last weekend against Clermont Auvergne who won a close match 15-16  so will be wary of what Quins have to offer, who will be out to spoil the party. The Toulouse side contains a host of Internationals with Donguy and Clerc the pools leading scorers.

With a new director of Rugby Quins now appointed the team will want to show what they can do, and those picked for the England Squads will also want to shine.

See you in Toulouse!

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