 |
| David Rogers/Getty Images Europe |
On the back of the Harlequins’ one point win over the Exeter Chiefs last weekend, it's somewhat of a psychological cushion for captain Chris Robshaw and his team mates, knowing they'll run out to the roar of The Stoop on Saturday in Round 22 of the Aviva Premiership.
The belief that the Harlequins can obtain a top four place has been soaring ever since they crushed the Leicester pack, 24-20 in Round 20. The atmosphere that night was electric and even O'Shea said after the game: “I have never heard the Stoop like that... it was absolutely rocking”
The desire to dream big has paid off so far. If they keep their eyes on the prize and the 16th man is in full voice again, then we could see a big win.
If that wasn't enough to crank up the intensity, a few weeks ago O'Shea had made it very clear to me that his side would fight until the bitter end; “We would love it to come down to us playing Bath in that last game but we'll keep on playing the way we are."
Your wish has now been granted Mr O'Shea. So, can your boys beat this determined Bath side?
Well, the London team have gone from strength to strength, although life hasn't been made easy by the adversity the Quins have faced with injury. But they’ve fast-tracked the development of some of their younger players, with the likes of Kyle Sinckler and Ben Botica stepping up to make a huge impact in the squad.
Harlequins deserve recognition for their tenacity and strength of character after what looked liked a flurry of frustration and a rocky start to the season. They lost their first two games on home turf, but look where they are now.
And when I come to think of it, there are more than a handful of players in the Harlequins squad who are game changers. There are the influential players like Nick Easter, the reliable players like Dave Ward and Mike Brown, the grafters like Luke Wallace and Jordan Turner-Hall, the tempo-raisers like Danny Care and Sam Smith. I could go on.
They have all contributed to ensuring they’ve reached this crucial climax fixture on Saturday and as O'Shea has previously mentioned; “The boys are buzzing. They're loving their rugby.”
But are Bath quietly confident?
 |
| Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe |
Mike Ford's men beat Quins at The Rec back in December 14-3, so there is no doubt this “winner takes all” encounter will be a fiesty fixture.
And after Bath’s draw against second-placed Northampton last Friday night, Ford says: “ I’m really delighted we showed we are more than capable of performing against one of the top two sides. We feel it was the perfect preparation going into our next game, which now feels like a cup final."
“Quins away is an exciting challenge and one we are very much looking forward to. We believe we are a top four side and we aim to prove that on Saturday. We’ll prepare ourselves in the best way possible and make sure we come out all guns blazing come kick-off."
It may ultimately come down to inaccuracies and missed opportunities that will separate these two teams when they meet at the sold-out Stoop on Saturday. Passion and pride are at stake and although it was always going to be titanic tussle, the prize now makes it so much more.
It's crunch time. Who will qualify for that all important semi-final spot?
May the best team win.