Harlequins prepare for ‘war’ in crunch clash with Leinster

Conor O’Shea has told his Harlequins to prepare themselves for ‘war’ as they face Leinster in another crucial European encounter on Saturday.

Harlequins recorded a bruising 24-18 victory over Matt O’Connor’s side last Sunday at the Twickenham Stoop, an encounter which has forced England captain Chris Robshaw and fly-half Nick Evans out of this weekend’s fixture.

And as O’Shea rallies his team together for the trip to Dublin, the Quins director of rugby confesses he is expecting more of the same when the two teams clash at the Aviva Stadium.

“The group like a challenge and this is as big a challenge as you can get because we know there is going to be a huge backlash,” said O’Shea.

“It’s a war. It’s a physical battle. We will take the game to them.

“We haven’t started the season the way we wanted to but that happens. If you had an upward curve the whole time it wouldn’t be any fun.

“We know it’s a massive task but it was an incredible occasion for us to get that win last weekend. Now we have to go out and put our best on the park this weekend and see where it goes. Hopefully we can go and do what we do. We are not going to go and sit back. We will take the game to them.”

The challenge of beating Leinster in Dublin will be even harder with Evans and Robshaw missing the match through injury.

Evans was removed after 11 minutes on Sunday due to a groin problem, while Robshaw picked up a shoulder injury.

However one boost for the visiting side is that club captain Joe Marler, who enjoyed a successful Autumn with England, has been declared fit. “Joe Marler will be fine. He’s been brilliant (this season). I thought he came of age in every which way he could last Sunday,” said O’Shea.

Marler’s men may have gained momentum with victory over Leinster last weekend, which moved them three points clear of the Dublin side in Pool 2, but O’Shea is well aware that O’Connor’s side will be a ‘different animal’ on home turf.

In Europe, Leinster boast a formidable record, as demonstrated by three European titles in the past six seasons. Now O’Shea is determined his team regain focus after toppling Leinster last weekend.

“We are looking forward to it. They are a brilliant side, they have got the record to show it,” O’Shea added. “They are the best. They are better than Toulon. Toulon’s coaches have done a brilliant job, they have been incredible.

“But fantasy rugby versus building something is a different animal. Leinster have built an incredible brand from the days I used to play in front of 300 people. They play a great style of rugby and are incredibly physical.”