Harlequins Relish “Biggest Week in Club’s History” As They Gear Up for Toulouse Showdown
As Harlequins prepare to face French giants Toulouse in the Investec Champions Cup semi-final, number eight Alex Dombrandt exudes excitement rather than trepidation. “I haven’t seen any fear this week,” Dombrandt stated. “I have just seen excitement and smiles on faces. It is the biggest week in the club’s history.”
Quins have already secured significant Champions Cup victories in France this season, beating Racing 92 and stunning quarter-final opponents Bordeaux-Begles 42-41. However, their 47-19 home loss to Toulouse during the pool phase underlines the magnitude of the task at hand.
“We know the challenge that is coming, but we know we have shown this season when we are there physically, when we start fast, we score early, we do really build and grow into the game,” Dombrandt said. “A European semi-final, you have got to come out of the blocks, start fast, be physical and up for the fight.”
Toulouse, five-time record Champions Cup winners, have cruised into the semi-finals, totaling 273 points in just six matches. But Quins head coach Danny Wilson remains undaunted, saying, “This club has never been in a Champions Cup semi-final, and we are fully aware that we will go there as pretty decent underdogs, but what an opportunity that we have.”
With Quins fighting to secure a place in the Premiership play-offs, Wilson added, “This is the business end of the season. These are the games you want to be involved in. We are excited about it, we are not seeing it as something you have got to endure. You have got to throw the kitchen sink at it.”
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