‘Berbatov of rugby’ resigns to give Quins a boost before big Wasps re-match

HARLEQUINS captain Dave Ward has hailed Tim Visser’s re-signing as a “massive boost” before a match against Wasps they must win to maintain their play-off hopes.

Wasps boast one of the Premiership’s deadliest attacks with 47 tries, but Quins have notched 44 fivepointers, with imposing Scotland speedster Visser high in the scoring charts.

Ward said: “We know how dangerous Wasps are but we’ve got big threats and Tim Visser signing again has been a massive boost for the club.

“I call him the ‘Berbatov of rugby’ because, like the old Spurs striker, he looks like he’s strolling around but when you need him he’ll score a fantastic try. He’s a class finisher and we’ll need that against Wasps.”

Quins contributed to Wasps’ recent Champions Cup demise, recovering from 21-0 down to win 33-28 – a clash that saw James Haskell dismissed for a high tackle on Jamie Roberts.

Roberts returns to partner fit again Joe Marchant in the centres, while flyhalf protégé Marcus Smith is reinstated alongside No.9 Dave Lewis.

Kyle Sinckler resumes at tighthead after a hamstring

strain but skipper James Horwill picked up a knock last week and is replaced by Ben Glynn.

Ward knows his side must make a fast start, saying: “We can’t be coming back from 21 points down again and the biggest lesson we’ve got to take from last month’s game is our reaction time on the occasions when we turn the ball over.

“Wasps prey on those split-seconds so we have to be much faster into our defensive systems or they’ll come back and sting us hard.”

Quins are seven points behind Wasps, who began the weekend in third, with Ward adding: “We’ve still got top four ambitions and if we can string three wins together, starting today, I guarantee we’ll finish in the play-offs.”

Josh Bassett’s return is the only change to the Wasps XV that thrashed Ulster in their last serious outing. However, Jimmy Gopperth, Nathan Hughes, Gaby Lovobalavu and Matt Mullan return from injury on a strong bench.

Coach Lee Blackett said: “We have to be satisfied with where we are after all the injuries, but it’s great to see guys coming back. Losing to Quins in the Champions Cup was a low moment, but we’ll use that as motivation and put all our energy into the Premiership.”