Quins push for home semi-final

Harlequins have raised their Premiership sights to a home play-off semi-final berth, through a top-two position, which will need a grandstand finish to the season if they are going to overhaul Exeter and Sale.

With Bristol already clear at the summit, it promises to be a real dogfight for the runners-up spot.

But, with Quins’ unexpected title push being led by the likes of England rejects Danny Care and Mike Brown, who were in scintillating form again in the thrashing of

Worcester, the London club believe momentum is on their side.

“We never expected to be in this position when Paul Gustard left earlier in the year,” Jerry Flannery, the assistant coach, said. “It’s always difficult to know how things will develop when you have a change like that, but all the players have been absolutely outstanding in their attitude and commitment.

“A lot of things have fallen into place in our favour, but it is mainly down to the players working really hard and stepping up. We are now entering the final straight and there will be a few twists and turns, but at this stage you need to build up a head of steam and not have any slip-ups. To get into the top two would be brilliant.

“A home play-off is within our reach and that will help to drive the players on to try to win every game we have left to play. We are wellplaced to give it a real go.”

Scrum-half Care is doing his best to push himself forward for possible Lions selection and was inspirational in this victory, as was full-back Brown, who is joining Newcastle at the end of the season,

Warriors, who lie at the foot of the table, badly need a win and prop Ethan Waller admitted: “We are desperate to win games, and we know how fans are desperate to see us win.”