Preview: Harlequins v Gloucester

Harlequins return to The Stoop this week to face Gloucester on Saturday November 28th kick off at 15.00. The meetings between these two clubs have produced some pulsating games in the past few years both at home and down at Kingsholm. Harlequins and Gloucester have had a torrid time so far this season and they are a both looking to climb away from the lower reaches of the table.

If it is any consolation to Harlequins fans Gloucester have had an worse time in recent months, surprising many by their inability to win. Both teams lost their Deans over the summer which seems to have a negative effect on their result this season. Quins seem to have s produced some green shoots of recovery with a string f five games without a loss, but that came crashing down last week away to Northampton where they let the game get away from them early on and whilst they tried to fight back the 26-17 tells its own story. In contrast Gloucester had a rare win last weekend against Leicester, in a torrid penalty shoot-out of a game with the West Country side coming out on top by 9points to 6.

For Harlequins supporters this season has certainly lacked the sparkle of last year and we have been left wondering whether this is the norm and last year was a “blip”. Harley Quin in his post on CAW suggests this season is doomed for Quins, and whilst it appears he has a case, despite the failure to close out matches, my glass is still half full, and with the expected return of Skinner, Easter and Care this weekend we have a very good opportunity to get our show back on the road. Harlequins doesn’t appear to be firing on all cylinders at the moment. A report in this week’s Telegraph suggested that “Guinness is gaining a sour taste” as their inquiry shows a growing discipline problem in the Premiership, a fact that we are all too aware of after 43 seconds of our season. That transgression was the first of four red cards issued so far this season, with Sharples of Gloucester also receiving a red card for a high tackle. Over the equivalent period last year, there were no red cards issued. The yellow card count stands at 39 cards 17 for foul play against 31 for which 11 were for foul play last year. The number of citings has virtually doubled to date compared to last year, with five last year and nine this year. What does make  disturbing reading is that four  Gloucester players make up that nine, with Azam, Eustace, Delve and Hazell all finding themselves in the dock. It is clear there is a lot of frustration on the pitch, as business takes control and winning at any cost appears to be taking hold. Is our game in trouble?

Quins have a golden opportunity to get back on track this weekend, providing the weather does not spoil the action. At what should be a near full strength side Quins should be able to use their home advantage and come away with a win. As Quins supporters we have been through a lot in recent years and that is part of the charm of supporting our club, you are just never quite sure what is going to happen next!   Well I m predicting a home win, and it would be nice to see some tries!  Quins by 9 points.

Come on You Quins!