Buoyant Harlequins braced for backlash from wounded Stade

HARLEQUINS have been braced to expect “a totally different game” when they resume their Heineken Cup rivalry with Stade Francais this afternoon (5.30pm).

Quins’ stunning 15-10 victory over the French giants at Stade de France last Saturday saw them installed as Pool Four favourites. And a repeat performance this weekend would probably leave them requiring only one more win to secure quarter-final status.

But Quins’ Samoan hooker Tani Fuga warned: “Stade Francais have nothing to lose. They are a world-class side. They will be very physical and mentally prepared. We will be equally prepared and have the advantage that we have already defeated them.”

While Stade boss Ewen McKenzie has had to deal with injury problems this week, his Quins counterpart Dean Richards fields an unchanged team.

Fit-again England prop Andrew Sheridan makes his first appearance for Sale Sharks since October in their Pool One appointment with Montauban at Stade de Sapiac. There is a start at England full-back Mathew Tait, who replaces ankle injury victim Rory Lamont, with former Leicester flanker Luke Abraham in the back row.

Sale crushed Montauban 36-6 last week, but Sharks boss Philippe Saint-Andre warned: “They have lost their opening three games, but there is a lot of pride at stake for them.

“If we want to qualify for the quarter-finals we have to aim to win all our remaining games. It is no good trying to rely on going through as a best second-placed team.”

Cardiff Blues head coach David Young has selected an unchanged side for their Pool Six return fixture against Biarritz at Parc des Sports Aguilera, where victory would dramatically enhance prospects of a second successive quarter-final appearance. But even though the Blues triumphed 21-17 a week ago, they were outscored 2-0 on tries, and Young admits: “It will be a difficult game.

“Biarritz haven’t played like they can in recent weeks, and I am sure they will click soon — I just hope it doesn’t happen on the weekend.”

Ospreys centre Gavin Henson has recovered from a tendon injury that sidelined him for Wales’ autumn Test schedule — but will not be involved against Pool Three whipping boys Treviso in Italy, as his partner, Charlotte Church, is due to give birth.

Newport Gwent Dragons will have stricken centre Marc Stcherbina in their thoughts when three-time European champions Toulouse arrive at Rodney Parade. The Dragons centre suffered a neck serious injury during last Saturday’s Pool Five encounter, undergoing surgery before being flown home by air ambulance from Toulouse yesterday. Dragons skipper Tom Willis said: “The best way to respond is to go out and put in a big performance.”

Sunday’s Heineken Cup action sees All Blacks fly-half superstar Dan Carter taking centre stage as he prepares for his Perpignan debut against Leicester in Pool Three. Elsewhere, 2007 champions Wasps host Edinburgh.